University student unsure of whether or not I should spend an extra semester in school or work full-time to save up for my future in the music industry and life in a new city. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 10:17 PM PST - 7 comments

I got a brand-less highlighter some time ago at a trade show booth, and it's the perfect highlighter, but it's running out and I would like to replace it. However, I've only found it where it seems you have to order by the thousands. [more inside]posted by elif at 8:47 PM PST - 11 comments

[SoCal Filter] What is that static that interferes with my car ipod player around Long Beach and Mojave? I use the kind of ipod adapter that transmits from ipod to car radio on FM, and it works very well other than this. [more inside]posted by bluesky78987 at 8:08 PM PST - 8 comments

I know where to get my great grandfather's military service records. But I don't have a lot of information to even start from. I need your suggestions. [more inside]posted by That's Numberwang! at 7:43 PM PST - 8 comments

What is the best and most useful dental insurance for an individual living in California who is anticipating getting all his upper teeth pulled and falsies put in? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:18 PM PST - 4 comments

Okay, this is a long-shot, I know, but I need help finding information about someone referenced in a random Ph.D thesis I came across on teh intarwebs. His ideas are about the use of patterning in High School English education, and I'd like to acknowledge them in my own thesis. His name is Chad Wolf and he taught at Jefferson High School in '00-'01. My Google-fu is weak, but all my attempts return nothing. All the information I have below the fold. [more inside]posted by guster4lovers at 6:41 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm exploring the idea of moving to Europe for a year or two -- preferably to Rome or Paris, and don't know where to start my research. Pretty much all I know right now is that I loved both places when I visited, and I want to give living in one of those cities a try. [more inside]posted by kim in chicago at 4:36 PM PST - 24 comments

I have some DJ equipment (serato, turntables, mixer, etc) I play random stuff at parties, which is great, but I'm starting to get offers for more formal events (apt pool parties, high school dances, receptions, etc). Looking for the best website to download music for DJing. [more inside]posted by stlboi at 4:22 PM PST - 1 comment

Nostalgia? Place Memory? Grief? Saudade? What Causes this Feeling? What part of the brain controls/causes memories and feelings to be triggered by places or events? Is it different than the memory-smell connection? Is there anything stronger to explain these associations in the brain other than nostalgia? [more inside]posted by gov_moonbeam at 4:08 PM PST - 6 comments

My parents are conservative Christians and I were brought up with Christian values. As I grew older, I began to question my faith and after years of searching, I finally discovered that Christianity; like other religions are based on ideas and concepts that are mostly outdated.
I am an atheist now and I am happy with that. But the thing is... I have an animosity towards Christianity; I feel that years of my life wasted in believing lies... years that I can not ever claim back. And worse... some of the values taught to me seem to stick like chewed up gum sticking on shoe. I don't know how to get rid of these Christian values I want out. [more inside]posted by bbxx at 4:08 PM PST - 38 comments

I'm trying to build up a supply of meals in the freezer, but I'm running into a wall when I try to think of side dishes to freeze. I've got twice-baked potatoes frozen, but surely there are other options, right? Special snowflake details inside! [more inside]posted by MeghanC at 3:51 PM PST - 15 comments

I have a bug-bite ID question for my sister's dog. Red, flat bites from what may have been a small winged ant or fly, in the British Columbia coastal area (Birkenhead, north of Pemberton). Pics inside... [more inside]posted by Pomo at 1:33 PM PST - 1 comment

Cat chewed through my macbook power cord. I tried to fix it, but when I plugged it in it sparked a little bit and then went out. I bought a new charger, and when I booted my mac up, everything was fine except the time and date needed to be reset and my desktop wallpaper had changed to the default background. Should I be worried? [more inside]posted by Lutoslawski at 1:24 PM PST - 12 comments

I have a problem. When I decide I don't like someone, it's very hard for me to act as if everything is okie dokie especially if I have to work with them. I am usually bubbly and talkative but when I'm around an individual or a couple of people who rub me the wrong way, it's hard to hide my dissatisfaction with them so my mood becomes mellow and almost somber for the event or gig. How do I change that to become an enagaging, genuine person even when I have judged them to be what I feel they are to me? I'm kinda introverted too. posted by InterestedInKnowing at 9:26 AM PST - 25 comments

Are the words "grace" and "rain" either identical or similar in Persian? Someone wrote me a letter about a Rumi book they sent me when I was little and I remember them saying that in the language Rumi wrote in, "grace" and "rain" are the same word. According to Wikipedia, Rumi wrote the the "New Persian Language." (Yes, crappy sources, I know, hence I ask!) posted by ShadePlant at 8:59 AM PST - 6 comments

I want to start my own podcast, and I want to do it right. But I am not sure where to start, any advice? The podcast will be a comedy related one, and may have a co-host, and would have a weekly guest. Here are the things I've been thinking about. [more inside]posted by ImBitman at 7:21 AM PST - 15 comments

I bought a house to rent out to students. What should I buy? Cliche/common examples include a pool table, foosball table and a dartboard, but I'd like more varied and unique ideas. [more inside]posted by Ragingmelon at 5:23 AM PST - 74 comments

I just noticed another question posted re: child support, so while we're on the subject . . . I haven't received child support in more than 5 months and it was sporadic before that. Now my ex has stated emphatically that he won't pay until or unless he gets a job. That may sound reasonable to many, but I believe he's not actively pursuing work because he doesn't have to work - his wife is the primary breadwinner. [more inside]posted by Hiding in my sock drawer at 12:44 AM PST - 45 comments

I'm so very ready to give my cable company the boot, and questions like this one have convinced me to stop putting it off, but I feel pretty clueless about my hardware options for an internet-based replacement on the cheap. Would a Roku 2 make us happy? A Wii? Something else entirely? [more inside]posted by DingoMutt at 12:38 AM PST - 15 comments

I need some good "Free Libra Open Source Software" projects to nominate for my local Linux User Group any one have any suggestions? We seem to be running short on some worthy nominees.
List some good ones and a good reason why I should propose this to our LUG we have a fairly active and solid group. posted by Chamunks at 12:26 AM PST - 5 comments

Impact on child of lowering child support?
Shot Version:
Have been overpaying $1k per month on child support, I'm owed a credit.
Will my child hate me if I lower the support and try to take the credit? [more inside]posted by MeatFilter at 12:18 AM PST - 33 comments

There is a guy i've started to like, but we're so shy and awkward around each other in person. How can we become more comfortable around each other? [more inside]posted by ohtimorousme at 8:16 PM PST - 11 comments

Does an elementary school student need more than the cloud? The hand-me-down laptop that my 7 year old daughter has been using to do homework and online lessons on has bit the dust. I'm all google-y eyed (pun intended) about a Chrome book as a replacement... but does it make sense? [more inside]posted by tdischino at 8:07 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm investigating the possibilities of working as independent contractor for a US company while under a student visa in Spain. YANML, but can you help point me in the right direction? [more inside]posted by Nerro at 8:00 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm really enjoying Torchwood: Miracle Day. The actors are charming and the sense of humour appeals to me. (It reminds me a bit of Buffy.) I've never seen any of the other seasons of Torchwood. Should I bother? If so, are there ones I should skip? [more inside]posted by smilingtiger at 7:33 PM PST - 20 comments

On the radio I heard an old-sounding (1960s?), female-fronted pop-rock song that had the lyrics "you tremble and you shake / when he moves like a snake". What song is it? posted by ktoad at 7:10 PM PST - 6 comments

I've finished reading "Let Our Children Go" by Ted Patrick and "Snapping" by Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman amongst others. I read the Wikipedia page on Patrick. My question: Where is he now? Or in the last 20 years? I would have thought magazine or television bit would have done a follow-up on him or at least mentioned him. posted by snap_dragon at 7:04 PM PST - 3 comments

Recently I realized that I'm the kind of guy who needs/wants a helium tank for balloons in my house, 'cause you never know when you're going to need some balloons at 3am. Where do party stores and supermarkets get their balloon helium tanks and helium? Do they rent those tanks, or do they own their own and fill them up somewhere? [more inside]posted by Feel the beat of the rhythm of the night at 6:38 PM PST - 17 comments

Is there a program that would allow me to display an animated .gif on a Windows desktop? I envision it as looking similar to Windows' Slide Show widget, with a simple border, but with the ability to display the animated image file. posted by SpacemanStix at 6:16 PM PST - 5 comments

I once heard an apocryphal story about Abraham Lincoln being interrupted by crickets and responding with an impromptu appreciation for their chirping. Have you heard this story? Does anyone know of a source for it? [more inside]posted by Pater Aletheias at 5:12 PM PST - 4 comments

We bought a condo in a resort town and I feel guilty about the fact that I am not excited about my adult sister and her family or my adult brother and his family or my husband's siblings and family using it. [more inside]posted by seekingsimplicity at 4:52 PM PST - 27 comments

Lion upgrade for Macbook Pro but my laptop is RAID formatted - how can I upgrade to Lion, keep my documents/music/applications, and get the full features of Lion (which I can't do with a RAID formatted drive)? Am I doomed to format and do a clean install? Can I without the Snow Leopard DVD? [more inside]posted by unclezeb at 4:43 PM PST - 7 comments

Moving from UK to Vancouver in August: Is there a Women's Institute I can get involved with there, or something like it? Advice on volunteering at a women's health clinic/refuge? [more inside]posted by everydayanewday at 4:33 PM PST - 7 comments

My sister is about to turn 27 and I'd love to give her a hundred dollars' worth of awesome! in Washington DC. She loves books, museums, coffee, food (but not cooking), and all sorts of quirky/funny/ unexpected things (think Pirate Shop in San Francisco). She lives in Columbia Heights and does not have a car. Ideally, the gift would be something I could order online and have sent to her. Any ideas, fellow MeFites? posted by onepot at 3:59 PM PST - 15 comments

Last minute tix: Need tickets to LA Rising (LA Coliseum) tonight, but won't be getting to the venue til 9pm or so. Has anyone had good luck w/ getting cheaper tickets to such a large concert while showing up late? [more inside]posted by raihan_ at 3:10 PM PST - 4 comments

How does Ruby compare to C#/Java in terms of speed of development, quality of code and long-term maintainability? A broad question, I know, but my focus is on enterprise applications that might pull in from several large data sources and might be rather large. [more inside]posted by geoff. at 2:22 PM PST - 15 comments

The Essential BSG: I have a Sunday afternoon and evening and I want to revisit the reimagined Battlestar Galactica. Which episodes MUST I watch? [more inside]posted by Hugobaron at 1:53 PM PST - 25 comments

I've noticed that my pelvis/lower back appears to have a fairly significant tilt to one side. How can I get this diagnosed as to whether it is just a muscular problem, leg length problem, spine problem, skeletal problem or something else entirely? [more inside]posted by fernbritton at 12:52 PM PST - 12 comments

Mac Mini Server: Any reason I will be unhappy with it as a desktop? I plan to Raid 0 the drives to make a 1GB drive and just turn off any server daemons. [more inside]posted by wnissen at 11:48 AM PST - 17 comments

I'm having trouble choosing which font(s) to use -- for example, for a flyer or poster. I don't have a graphic design background or much experience with it, but sometimes I have to design simple pieces for my job. Are there any introductory online resources that can help me learn more so that no one will point and laugh when they see a flyer I made? I'll be looking at this thread and this thread, too. My main fear is that I'll put something together and someone will point and laugh and say, "Oh no, you used THAT font?" posted by trillian at 10:13 AM PST - 18 comments

We caught this bug on my bed and I have a few questions...1) So this is a bed bug right? Google images pretty much answered this question but I'm still hoping somebody's gonna say "no dude, it's something else, totally harmless!" But FYI, we were bitten a few times several weeks ago and just assumed it was unusually persistent mosquitoes. [more inside]posted by exhilaration at 10:11 AM PST - 13 comments

Wordpress help. I am using this theme with this music player. How do I make one of the links at the top (like Home, Categories, About, Contacts) popout a window properly sized for the player? posted by fake at 9:31 AM PST - 3 comments

Trying to find a poem: I don't know much about it, but remember a few details. The main details revolve around a guy watching a baseball game while on drugs. It may have been French in origin. It may have been some other sport, but I'm almost positive it was baseball. posted by codacorolla at 9:18 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm primarily an art director and I manage the look and feel of both online and offline assets for my company, in addition to creating original art for print + web, doing user experience design, and managing our art asset library. However, I'm also going to manage the online marketing (email newsletters, ads, and the like) and social media (blogging, Twittering, etc.) My boss and I are trying to think of what my new job title should be. Any suggestions?
Art Director + Social Media Manager is too long.
Director of Online Marketing & Design? posted by matrushka at 8:06 AM PST - 15 comments

Is there a rational upper limit or ceiling on the value of currencies, such as the yen, which have experienced substantial increases against the dollar due to the US debt crisis? [more inside]posted by Gordion Knott at 7:28 AM PST - 6 comments

New career sought: designing and analyzing complicated systems; designs that will get made (but not by me) and aren't just in computer-land -- with variety and some independence while working. I'm essentially an ex-academic looking for something "alternative", as they say. I just don't know what jobs are out there. [more inside]posted by JLMC at 7:04 AM PST - 4 comments

I'd like to find a good simultaneous dual band wireless access point (not router) for my home. Must broadcast N and G.
Anyone have a good experience with one? posted by Jackie_Treehorn at 6:38 AM PST - 2 comments

I have a bifocals prescription, but what I want are two separate pairs of glasses. Which bits of my prescription should I give Zenni to produce reading glasses that will actually work? [more inside]posted by SMPA at 6:18 AM PST - 7 comments

Need business name ideas! Asking for a friend who is starting a new small business and is struggling to find a name she likes. The business will carry specialty development products for high needs individuals such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome. Full business explanation below. [more inside]posted by ChrisManley at 5:48 AM PST - 17 comments

I recently hooked up with a guy I talked to every day for a few months online. I ended up liking him a lot in person and getting my hopes up in the few hours we spent together, but he has significantly scaled back his interest now that the chase is over. What can I do to get over this in a satisfactory way? Details inside. [more inside]posted by houndsoflove at 8:44 PM PST - 36 comments

Best way to organize a flurry of Post-It notes covered in ideas, doodles, and designs so that the brainstorms within are easily accessible? [more inside]posted by ElectricBlue at 7:16 PM PST - 12 comments

So, I'm vegetarian and I can't cook due to multiple disabilities. Does the following food meet all my nutritional needs? If not, what other no-cook foods could I add in? [more inside]posted by Sockpuppets 'R' Us at 5:51 PM PST - 32 comments

Wikipedia's article on the slash character dates it back to ancient Rome, but doesn't give much history beyond that. Looking at some Arabic websites, it appears the slashes go in the same direction, though the direction of text is different. Is the slash direction the same for all languages? Does all slash usage originate with the Romans or did other languages start using slashes independently? And was it spread from one language to another via some non-language usage (e.g. math) or via written language? posted by scottreynen at 2:49 PM PST - 6 comments

Los Angeles slumlordfilter: management company cashed our check for the usual rent amount last week (verified w bank), management company left us a "pay rent or quit" notice yesterday claiming we were short on rent and must pay within 3 days, calls to management company have led the voice mail box of the bookkeeper who has yet to pick up the phone or call us back. We're on day 2 and it's a Friday. Given they actually received rent in full, how worried should we be that they'll f us over even though this is entirely their own error? [more inside]posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:57 PM PST - 24 comments

What American (?) naturalist landscape painter am I thinking of? I took this photo in Ketchikan, Alaska while on vacation last week. It reminds me of a painter who painted grand American landscapes with lots of lush detailed realistic trees (and mountains), maybe in the past 100 years. I feel like I'd have seen his work on posters or calendars, or promoting US conservation groups. Any ideas? posted by dywypi at 1:33 PM PST - 8 comments

This is kind of a follow-up to this question about seeing people on OkCupid that one knows offline in some capacity. I have a similar situation but an added wrinkle: I work with my potential match. Is this a good idea to pursue him or not? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 1:04 PM PST - 16 comments

[Animals-in-unexpected-places-filter] This morning, preparing breakfast, we found an earwig INSIDE AN EGG. How did it get there? Egg was laid in the past couple of days by one of our chickens in the back yard. Shell was intact. Earwig was dead, somewhat bloated (from being in the egg white for too long I guess). [more inside]posted by gijsvs at 12:48 PM PST - 14 comments

A couple of years ago I was working at an archeological dig in Aphrodisias, Turkey. At every meal we had the most fantastic tomatoes--plates of them sliced, bowls of them whole or in salads. They were the best-tasting tomatoes I've ever eaten on any continent--medium-sized, round, red-with-a-bit-of-orange. I should have smuggled home some seeds but didn't think of it. I've lost touch with the folks I worked with, so I can't ask someone there to mail me a batch, and that's probably illegal anyway. Can you suggest where I might learn this tomato variety's name, or get seed? Thanks very very much. posted by fivesavagepalms at 12:30 PM PST - 12 comments

Boyfriend is biking down the West coast. His suitcase is in Montreal. It needs to get to LA by the end of August, before we leave for an extended trip to Australia. We don't know anyone in LA to whom we can ship the suitcase. Help? [more inside]posted by OLechat at 11:25 AM PST - 8 comments

[Type-nerd filter] What's a more "old-world"/traditional typeface: Frutiger or Gill Sans? Or something else along the same lines? Must have Black/Extra Black/Ultra faces. [more inside]posted by TangoCharlie at 11:20 AM PST - 9 comments

I am trying to remember a short story I read in a fiction collection over 10 years ago. The author may have been British. It was written in a Kingsley Amis-like voice and featured a guest who offends his hosts by peeing in a vase. This is my only memory of the story, and it is hazy enough that the details may be quite off. Any help recovering this (hopefully not false) literary memory would be most appreciated. posted by Morpeth at 10:38 AM PST - 2 comments

"Is This Healthy?" question #85,847,389. In an effort to start eating better, I've started to make my lunch salads for the week on Sunday nights. To stave off boredom from eating the same boring salad every day, day after day, week after week, I've collected a number of ingredients that keep my salads from making me shriek with horror. Tell me if I'm doing this wrong. [more inside]posted by HeyAllie at 10:25 AM PST - 37 comments

I am Muslim. I will being fasting in two days. Fasting will be from dawn til sunset. I have never fasting in the month of August. Days will be long. Dawn will be at 4am and sunset at 8.45pm.
What should I eat to keep myself satiated? I was thinking something like clam chowder at the pre dawn meal?? What about drinks? Hot or cold?
Also, does anyone know what to eat at sunset to break the fast?
Any foods I should keep away from? Drinks? posted by alshain at 10:05 AM PST - 29 comments

"I'm really enjoying Melanie Safka's Brand New Key right now for a particular mood I'm in. What other songs convey that angsty 'I really want to keep having hot sex with you, but you could care less' while being relatively upbeat?"
asking for a friend. I never thought I'd say that, and I always thought it was baloney.[more inside]posted by bilabial at 10:04 AM PST - 16 comments

I love dark and gritty novels like Michel Faber's Crimson Petal and the White, Sheri Holman's The Dress Lodger, and Kathleen Winsor's Forever Amber. Can you recomend some novels along those same lines? posted by Frosted Cactus at 9:28 AM PST - 12 comments

Some how I came up with a grammer question with someone and need help solving it. We were sending this in an email to family.
I say: Celebrate your life's Connections...
She Says: Celebrate your life Connections...
Which one is correct or more appropriate? posted by kmurray24 at 9:12 AM PST - 12 comments

I want to start a serious and large scale (for me, anyway) web project. Could you help me decide between CodeIgnitor and Symfony, as well as figure out tools/scripts/libraries/methods for some of the goals I have for the site? [more inside]posted by jsturgill at 8:38 AM PST - 6 comments

I need a chicken kashmiri recipe, just like the restaurants. Boneless chicken in a milky creamy curry with tomatoes and peas and mango flavor. [more inside]posted by lettuchi at 8:15 AM PST - 12 comments

I eat like crap. I'm now 30. Still young, I know, but I'm pushing it with the eating like a teenager. Can you help set me up with a system for better, healthier eating? [more inside]posted by functionequalsform at 7:54 AM PST - 54 comments

This is a Final Cut question:
I would like to show an image with a video inside it. More specifically, so the question is clear, I would like to show (in my video) a fake website that has an embedded video. So, "the website" will be a still image, but there is video within it. I hope that's clear. Would really appreciate any help! posted by cyberdad at 7:13 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking for a tool for the quick and simple 'collection' of a website's page URLs along with each URLs associated 'title,', META Description, & META Keywords. [more inside]posted by bricksNmortar at 7:08 AM PST - 4 comments

Boston Bedbug Filter: Moving into a new place, there's a nice bed frame and mattress there, should I use it? Also, my stuff is in storage in Woburn at Extra Space. Should I be concerned about bedbugs? Anything I can do to prevent them? [more inside]posted by sully75 at 6:14 AM PST - 9 comments

My leg was run over by a car in may. I can walk again, but every afternoon my ankle swells up. What causes this? How long can I anticipate it will last? [more inside]posted by to sir with millipedes at 6:13 AM PST - 14 comments

It appears that my credit card number was recently compromised. I check my statement very regularly, so I noticed the unauthorized charges as soon as they happened. I'm not particularly worried about it since disputing the charges is a trivial matter, and I've seen others go through the process before. The CC company has already overnight-shipped me a new card with a new number, and has credited back the fraudulent charges. But I am curious about a couple things: [more inside]posted by RobotNinja at 6:04 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm a Windows systems administrator and power user and an enthusiastic user of Unix/Linux-based operating systems. I have hand edited make files and recompiled linux kernels manually. I know how to do administrative scripting and am a Microsoft products (SharePoint, if it matters) support professional/systems engineer in my job. I am certainly not the geekiest person I know but I'm in the top 5 percent.
I am switching to a Mac Mini (Lion Server, specs maxed toward storage) after decades of using Windows laptops/desktops and some Linux machines. I'm prepared for the lack of physical mobility, but I don't feel prepared for not being a power user. What methods/resources would you suggest I could use to get up to speed with being a Mac Mini and OSX Lion power user? [more inside]posted by kalessin at 5:33 AM PST - 18 comments

Fairly new runner, now comfortable running a 3.6-mile route three times a week. What's the best approach to take to improve my running (in terms of fitness, speed and mileage)? [more inside]posted by Catseye at 5:17 AM PST - 11 comments

Uninsured American Health Care Problem: Should I have a somewhat large lipoma (benign fatty tumor) surgically removed before applying for private medical insurance, or would it provide the basis for application denial or drastically raised rates? [more inside]posted by Auden at 5:04 AM PST - 10 comments

Last minute (Australia-filter) hopefulness: how can I contact a band and get them to acknowledge a 13 year old fan who is now on crutches and can't be up the front of the mosh pit? [more inside]posted by malibustacey9999 at 4:26 AM PST - 7 comments

We will be in another state for the month of August, and are trying to decide whether to have our mail forwarded to the place we'll be staying (a home) or collected by a friend and held for us until our return. There's no issue of bills coming due, since we pay those online, nor any other urgent missives we'd have to worry about. [more inside]posted by aimeedee at 3:04 AM PST - 7 comments

July 28

I'd like to learn a lot more about shipping things. For instance, manufactured goods from China to the US. What is the process? How is the freight billed? How do you take possession of the goods once they arrive? Who insures the freight being shipped?
Is there a good reference for this kind of thing that doesn't pre-suppose familiarity? posted by mulligan at 11:54 PM PST - 6 comments

Basically, I decided to ask out a co-worker I've been interested in. I've been playful/teasing around him, which he seemed to enjoy (he'd joke back, etc.). Whenever he was around my office for work, he'd usually drop in to talk, so we've been pretty friendly. [more inside]posted by Sakura3210 at 11:30 PM PST - 44 comments

We're moving back to the UK (London) from the US (SoCal) in a few months. What would you stock up on if you were us? Much more detail about our tastes and situation inside... [more inside]posted by crabintheocean at 11:20 PM PST - 31 comments

I need recommendations for doctors (primary care and specialists) in the Minneapolis area. Specifically, I need recs for a psychiatrist, a gynecologist, a dermatologist, and a primary care physician. Ideally all of them are non-judgey and weirdfolk-friendly, and for extra points they're all in-network for HealthPartners, which is my new insurance company starting Sep 1. [more inside]posted by adrienneleigh at 10:00 PM PST - 7 comments

I have a dessicated black truffle from last October or November stored in arborio rice in the fridge (sealed glass jar.) I forgot it was in there! Risotto with the perfumed rice is obvious. What can I do with dessicated black truffle? [more inside]posted by jbenben at 8:52 PM PST - 7 comments

Do I have the right to request a chargeback from LinkedIn? If I succeed in getting a chargeback, will it hurt my credit score or show up on my credit report? [more inside]posted by lovelygirl at 8:38 PM PST - 32 comments

I accidentally got some soda fall on the LCD screen of my Compaq CQ56 laptop, and seconds later, a smudge appeared on the lower right side of the screen (everything on that area appears lighter when it is on). It looks like the liquid got inside the screen, and I don't know what to do about it. Can anyone help? [more inside]posted by chicofly at 8:27 PM PST - 6 comments

Planning a birthday present for my daughter, who will be 5 soon. She's been interested in guitars, and I'd love to get her one to mess around on. Ideally it would be small, not too expensive, but good enough to feel 'real'. I don't know much about guitars. What's a good one to buy? Is there an online outlet for such things you would recommend? posted by feckless at 8:12 PM PST - 26 comments

My camera fell into a lake. Yikes! Took it home, let it dry in a bowl of brown rice and now it turns on (Yeah!) but the screen shows the view as a monotone blob of something. Help! [more inside]posted by alex_skazat at 7:30 PM PST - 10 comments

What goes on during the smartphone assembly process? A lot of it is opaque. Does anyone have insight about what happens from the time the phone's components enter the factory until the time it leaves in end-user packaging? [more inside]posted by Lugos at 7:05 PM PST - 4 comments

I've been asked to put a bunch of music on an mp3 player for a visiting 9 year old girl. I know she likes the Bieb and Gaga and (for some reason) ABBA. Beyond that, I'm at a loss. Suggestions? posted by Carlo at 6:09 PM PST - 28 comments

Im interested in the new 40 mpg hyundai accents they cost around 16000 i was just wondering assumeing i have no credit rateing at all ( ive never used a credit card ect cetra)
was just wondering that the monthly payments would probably come to.
Also if theres any programs in pennsylvannia for high mpg car trade in or programs to help a financialy um disadvantaged person get a new car posted by quseio at 5:40 PM PST - 14 comments

My doctor doesn't think I should work, but our family finances are dire. Everything I've heard says that disability is not likely for me. Now what? [more inside]posted by Biblio at 4:57 PM PST - 22 comments

Fix me: I'm a jerk! After 8 years at my work place, today was my last day. I didn't expect any gifts. A "party/lunch" was to happen after our morning work period, but due to extenuating circumstances (namely a huge leak causing damage) the party/lunch didn't occur. Instead I was given my gift/cards intermittently between cleaning up. I was gifted a nicely wrapped present with three cards on it. I opened the first card and written in it was a heartfelt message, I put it as well as the others aside, knowing that if I read them, I would probably cry. Turns out, one of them contained a generous gift card. I feel awful for not opening and properly thanking the givers in front of them. Of course I'll write them a nice thank you note, but should I call or email them now and explain myself? posted by JacksonandFinch at 4:18 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me find a drawing of a male and a female body, that highlights the parts that are considered safe for non-intimates to touch. I stumbled across it years ago online, but am struggling now to find it again. [more inside]posted by Susan PG at 4:05 PM PST - 5 comments

What's the best cell phone camera out there today? prefer a zoom lens (I really miss having one). Currently I have an LG "chocolate" and it's not very good (in many ways). I-phone, as we know, has a decent camera but no zoom. posted by DMelanogaster at 3:53 PM PST - 16 comments

I live in Canada and have waited for months, in vain, for the packtite to be allowed to be legally shipped here. I will be visiting my family in New York!!! this August, and can have a packtite shipped to their apartment. Then I will drive it home, (and use it instantly, because I will have just come back from New York.)
Two questions:
1) Who should I order the packtite from? Their seem to be a number of different online suppliers.
2) Could there really be an issue at the border? Normally the customs agent just waves us through, but on the off chance they look in our trunk, will the box it comes in set off any alarm bells for them?
Both Mr. Uans and I are getting very alarmed about the bedbug situation, more especially when we travel. I'm embarrassed to say that I've put off this trip to NY for months for that reason.
Help me get a packtite! posted by uans at 2:26 PM PST - 7 comments

[Psych filter] I'm a few months out of a relationship that wouldn't have happened if I'd been honest with myself from the start. However it led to me questioning more than just my motives... do I need to talk to a pro, or just rest, relax and not make such a big deal of life? Of course there's [more inside]posted by anonymous at 2:26 PM PST - 7 comments

I want to travel to Europe (France, Germany, Austria, and maybe Poland) this fall. I have never left the United States. I have absolutely no idea how to plan this. Many details inside. [more inside]posted by Hey Dean Yeager! at 2:02 PM PST - 28 comments

Comicfilter: I'm trying to remember a comic that came out around 2003. It was published as a book, had a one-word title (I think), and was drawn in a very loose, kind of messy style (maybe reminiscent of white ninja?). I believe it was autobiographical and was mostly about the author and episodes of his life with his (ex?)girlfriend. I think he wrote the comic as part of his getting-over-her period. What I remember most about how the author was drawn in the book was that he always had stubble. Not sure if this is a long-shot or if someone will get it in 2 seconds. Thanks! posted by ultrapotato at 1:27 PM PST - 5 comments

I have a wedding to go to in Eugene. I am flying in and out of PDX. I know that it's a 2 hour drive between the two. My flight was at 5pm on Monday, but now (thanks!) it's been moved up to 1pm. I need a plan for coming back to Portland on Sunday, staying the night, and then getting to the airport at a reasonable time. [more inside]posted by Medieval Maven at 1:25 PM PST - 14 comments

At work, I'm supposed to compile a weekly list of "things of interest" on the internet which are related to our non-profit's mission. They need only fit into our general program areas, rather than necessarily dove-tail with our projects. Strategies, suggestions, hints for finding interesting things every week, without hitting the same sources or the same big news items as everyone else? [more inside]posted by crush-onastick at 1:17 PM PST - 10 comments

The quotes may not be spot on, I'm working from pretty old memories and I've had no luck with Google. Any assistance in identifying the band and song would be greatly appreciated. [more inside]posted by jperkins at 12:42 PM PST - 6 comments

I am looking for recommendations for two course: one in making jewelry and one in making hats in the Boston area. I did note a hat course at the design school, but you have to be enrolled in a degree program. Has anyone taken any courses in the above they could recommend? Thanks! posted by KathMuse at 12:41 PM PST - 4 comments

I am wondering if there is any risk to a betta fish at all of adding some food coloring to his water? We have been pulling minor pranks on a coworker and many on Fridays have revolved around a fish and I am thinking adding a couple of drops to make a light tinge to the water would be good if it posed no risk to the fish. Everything I've googled looks like it is fine, but really trying to cover my bases in advance. posted by ewiley28 at 12:28 PM PST - 26 comments

There are three things going on in the men's room at work that irk me. Fellow men, am I right to be annoyed at the spoliation of the safe haven that is the gentlemen's convenience, or am I being unreasonable? [more inside]posted by Admiral Haddock at 12:28 PM PST - 111 comments

Please help me not hate OSX Lion. Even though I have deselected "Restore windows when quitting and re-opening apps" every time I launch Pages, it opens several recent documents. This is driving me nuts. [more inside]posted by 4ster at 12:26 PM PST - 8 comments

I have two family members in trouble in Massachusetts, and I want to talk to someone about it. I am not in Massachusetts, and I need help finding an the right "someone." [more inside]posted by anonymous at 11:48 AM PST - 13 comments

Half-remembered-poem-filter! About a decade ago, I read a poem (written by a woman, I'm pretty sure) about the Challenger disaster. I distinctly remember that she conveyed the concept of their atoms spreading into nature. Now I can't find it anywhere, and I hate when I can't find something on the internet! [more inside]posted by you're a kitty! at 11:37 AM PST - 9 comments

My brother (18) and I (23) are in the Frankfurt area visiting relatives. We're looking for interesting and fun day trips in and around Frankfurt (let's say anywhere within about a 2 hour train ride) for this weekend and next week: museums, festivals, interesting places to grab a drink, cool shops or places/neighborhoods we should just plain walk around and see. We don't have a car so everything needs to be accessible by public transport. Thanks! posted by smokingmonkey at 11:34 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm going to be going to Pittsburgh to visit a friend this weekend. She works until 8:30 pm, however, so I'll be left to my own devices for the afternoons and early evenings. I'm totally cool with that, and I look forward to exploring on my own. But I need a place to start! Can you help? [more inside]posted by sandraregina at 11:07 AM PST - 10 comments

I was prescribed Strattera for my adult ADHD, but after reading up on this drug I'm not so sure I want to take it. I'm looking for any Strattera experiences you may have, as well as general advice on the whole tweaking psych meds thing. [more inside]posted by indognito at 10:58 AM PST - 15 comments

Are there any podcasts that focus on writing? I'm not looking for shows that just feature different stories every week, I am looking for ones that feature writers talking about the craft of writing. [more inside]posted by Think_Long at 10:56 AM PST - 12 comments

MusicFilter! I'm looking for music that fits my current mood. I got great input when I wanted to revel in my awesomeness. Now, I'm feeling shitty and need to toe tap and sway to something else. Marvin Gaye's Trouble Man is on rotation in my brain. So is Amy Winehouse's You Know that I'm No Good. [more inside]posted by mokeydraws at 10:50 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm looking for certain kinds of drinks. Non-alcoholic, no sugar, no coffee, no tea. No processed drinks, no artificial flavours. Something I can make at home. To be drunk at all times. Apart from fruit/vegetable juices, (soy)milk, and water, what else remains? [more inside]posted by beshtya at 10:43 AM PST - 41 comments

I'm moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis this weekend. I have to be out of my old apartment by noon on Sunday, but am not allowed to move into my new one until after 4pm on Monday. This creates a problem because none of the local rental truck companies seem to be willing to rent out their trucks for longer than 24 hours. Am I really going to have to rent a truck and load and unload it into a storage facility for a day, and then rent another one the very next day, or is there some superior solution someone can think of? Surely this isn't the first time this issue has arisen.
Thanks for any suggestions. posted by grammalvsu at 10:39 AM PST - 17 comments

There's nothing like a productive and clear-headed day after a good night's rest. But this happens far less often than I would like. Is there some sort of guide to getting good rest? Not tips for insomniacs, just something for normal healthy people to get better rest. Resthacks? [more inside]posted by parallax7d at 10:15 AM PST - 10 comments

How do I deal with blog comment fragmentation? I use Twitterfeed to feed my (Blogger) entries over to Facebook, so my friends playing ant farm or whatever the hell they do on FB can read my stuff. But some people comment on the blog, others comment on FB, and I'd like the blog to be the permanent record of comments. So....is there an alternative besides manually bringing over each new FB comment to my blog (i.e. posting the comment under my own username, with a header of, like, "Shelly says......")? posted by Quisp Lover at 9:46 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for research or advocacy groups that are critical of governments that hire consulting firms such as KPMG for budgetary advice or auditing purposes. Other than The Yes Men, please ;) [more inside]posted by copystar at 9:29 AM PST - 2 comments

I'm willing to relocate to San Carlos de Bariloche, Chili. I'm a 23 years old Belgian and I'm about to finish my Master's degree this September. I'm looking for a physics-related job. Teaching is a good example. Do you know where I should begin looking for? [more inside]posted by Fillus at 9:08 AM PST - 6 comments

I am 33 years old. Father of two. Living with my parents. My married sister also lives with us and another sister (not married) who is working also lives with us. My brother lives three houses down. He is married and has a daughter. I have become obsessed almost comically with the daily lives of my family. I need some help. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:06 AM PST - 40 comments

I have the random fortune of being raised in a wealthy family. As I prepare for life after university I want to make sure I understand personal finance and properly manage the money that I've thus far received from parents and grandparents. Can you please help me? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:28 AM PST - 18 comments

Looking for a nice accessible vacation spot in Quebec or Ontario - forest, lake, canoes. Must be a hotel or at least have locked doors and food nearby on foot. Most important: I have to be able to get there without a car! [more inside]posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 8:09 AM PST - 8 comments

I am a 41yo male nerd, who will be travelling with my female nerd companion to GenCon in Indianapolis next week. I have only been to GenCon once, back when it was still here in Milwaukee, and that was only to walk through the exhibition floor. We will be staying for the entire run and would like to make the most of it. So far, she has signed up for a few costume events and I have a few random board game events in mind. Otherwise, we are looking at a lot of open time on the schedule. I would like to try my hand at some D&D and signed up for a "Learn to play 4.0" event (I haven't played since AD&D in 1984), but it looks like to play any further than that you need to start off one of the campaigns run by "Baldman Games". Unfortunately, if you miss the early parts of these campaigns (such as the ones scheduled opposite their "Learn to Play" session) you can't jump in at the next part. Is there any other option for a D&D n00b? Any suggestions on what else to sign up for or see and do in Indy? [more inside]posted by JJtheJetPlane at 8:06 AM PST - 13 comments

Help me choose books and music for a solo trek through Sweden, Turkey, Nepal, and Jordan. I'll be on the "road" for six months with a lot of down time and a Kindle, so I need a lot of suggestions. [more inside]posted by acidic at 8:00 AM PST - 13 comments

I am thinking about buying $10,000 worth of appliances and entertainment-related products for my house. Should I put it all on a credit card? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:51 AM PST - 19 comments

Can I buy a 90W Power adapter for a 65W adapter? The description of the product says it is compatible with my new Lenovo T400, but I don't understand electricity so I thought I'd ask. [more inside]posted by vincele at 7:36 AM PST - 7 comments

The wikipedia page for cashews says that the cashew apple (the fruit which produces the seeds we eat) is made into a fruit juice drink that is very popular in Brazil. Surely I can find this drink in New York City? Tell me where. [more inside]posted by hermitosis at 6:30 AM PST - 13 comments

Apartment hunting in NYC is a major pain for almost everyone. But lately it seems that craigslist overposters are winning the battle of keeping their listings on top, and posting the same property an obscene amount of times each day. If your looking for a particular neighborhood and price range, you will click and see the same aprartment over and over, sometimes for weeks at a time. They must be getting flagged. I flag people when it is obvious. Why are they not banned? I guess the question is, what can I do? Is flagging really helping, or is it just a placebo? [more inside]posted by shimmer at 6:28 AM PST - 6 comments

Lots of text editors, like the one I use, have these nifty snippet or text expander features that let you type a couple characters, hit a tab button and have a bunch more text come out. It seems like this could really up my game as a blogger and writer (not a coder), I just don't know how. What neat sorts of things are you using snippets to do that would save me time, impress the opposite sex or otherwise change my life? posted by Apropos of Something at 6:19 AM PST - 5 comments

Do I really have to replace the motherboard? My computer is showing no display and I think I've ruled out everything except the motherboard. Changing that is obviously expensive and time-consuming, so please tell me if I'm missing anything! [more inside]posted by Busy Old Fool at 6:16 AM PST - 12 comments

I started running last October and I've lost 30 lbs. Along with this though I've noticed many other body changes. There are two in particular that I am interested in. The veins in my hands and feet are more defined and my elbows are no longer ashy. Is there any kind of relationship between these two changes and my new running lifestyle? Not sure if this makes a difference or not but I've also cut out all fast food, soft drinks, junk food and I'm eating healthy balanced meals now. posted by Fizz at 6:10 AM PST - 9 comments

My mother has a squirrel problem. She has a ton of tomato plants and now that they're coming in, the squirrels are picking them and eating part of them. Is there something she can do to save her plants? Note: killing the squirrels is not an option--she would rather not have tomatoes than kill the squirrels. posted by Kimberly at 5:33 AM PST - 20 comments

I’m a systems analyst who just started consulting. What are the expectations for my weekly hours? Not the expectations in the contract, the real ones. [more inside]posted by Tehhund at 3:36 AM PST - 11 comments

Should I read A Dance With Dragons? Especially interested in hearing from people who once considered themselves fans but cooled on the series years ago and read ADWD anyway and liked it (or didn't!). Possible mild spoilers for ADWD re: characters.[more inside]posted by 6550 at 2:55 AM PST - 17 comments

Help me find my perfect bike. I have not owned a bike since I was a child so I am having a hard time picking one now. In fact, I went to three different local bike shops and was given 2-3 different options at each shop so I am even more confused now than I was when I started looking. Specifications and riding goals inside. [more inside]posted by Nickel at 12:41 AM PST - 10 comments

Economics filter: I'm sitting on a lot of Korean won. I want to buy US dollars (practically, I'd do a wire transfer from my Korean bank acount to my US one). Given that the Republican Party might ruin the US economy out of sheer spite, how should I time this transfer to maximize my personal profit re: a beneficial exchange rate (weak USD, stable/strong-ish Korean won)? [more inside]posted by bardic at 10:02 PM PST - 8 comments

I recently started getting UTIs and bladder inflammation after every weekend I go to see my boyfriend and have sex with him. I need some guidance so I know what kinds of questions to ask my doctor, 'cause I am damn tired of needing to pee in pain every 10 goddamn seconds. [more inside]posted by iLoveTheRain at 7:54 PM PST - 65 comments

Had a hunch about my SO's texting, followed it up and found I was right. Tried to make it right but I'm not sure if I have succeeded. Feeling like I might be crazy, insecure, a door mat, or all three. I know I'm not alone out there with this type of situation, wondering how others have handled things and what the outcomes were. Thanks in advance for taking a minute to read/answer (okay a of couple minutes, it's on the long side!) [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:03 PM PST - 82 comments

NYC hostel or other cheap place to sleep. It needs to have air conditioning and be quiet enough for me to sleep--I don't care about anything else. Suggestions? [more inside]posted by Chicken Boolean at 6:50 PM PST - 21 comments

I'd like to put some slick (or semi-slick) tires on my mountain bike. What would be a good choice? My biggest requirement is that they'd be pretty easy to install. Second requirement would be cost. I'd rather not spend 50 bucks a wheel. [more inside]posted by sideshow at 4:51 PM PST - 19 comments

I'm an indoor person. I love being on my computer, playing videogames, watching TV, etc. I know, however, that I need to give my kids some outdoor time. What kind of outdoor activities can I enjoy with them that I can enjoy myself? [more inside]posted by macsigler at 4:30 PM PST - 24 comments

Descriptive video for the blind and visually impaired... for videogames? Does this exist? I’d like to do it. I know there are a million videos of people playing videogames around, but I'd like to do ones tailored for people who can't see. [more inside]posted by marble at 3:37 PM PST - 7 comments

My fiance poked at a squishy bump in his forehead about two days ago; it squished and sort of dispersed, he said, and now his head has hurt really bad ever since. What could this have been, and do we need to be concerned now? [more inside]posted by adrianna aria at 3:08 PM PST - 11 comments

I uploaded a video of our wedding ceremony to Youtube. Our recessional was "Love Story" by Taylor Swift. Youtube informs me today that I have "infringing content". Do I have a leg to stand on to claim fair use? posted by TrueVox at 3:00 PM PST - 22 comments

Do you have any tips for a librarian-in-training (not archivist-in-training) on how to best approach organizing and cataloging personal archives, without the guidance of an archivist? [more inside]posted by divisjm at 2:21 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking for specific examples of special-interest magazines and magazine-style newsletters that made a transition from print-only to online-only. What happened? Did they survive and flourish, or wither and die? What factors made the difference one way or the other from your perspective as a subscriber or publisher? posted by cairnish at 1:40 PM PST - 11 comments

I need to clean my deck which was pressure washed about 5-7 years ago. I want to paint it afterwards and am wondering which option to take for the cleaning. Rent or own? [more inside]posted by shaarog at 1:35 PM PST - 9 comments

What happens and what to do when I hear my mom dies 1,500+ miles away. What will the landlord do in the short term? Where does her body go? What happens to the cat? The medical bills? How do I unload fine art? [more inside]posted by AnOrigamiLife at 1:00 PM PST - 27 comments

I have a lot of information (dates and numbers that correspond to lot numbers/Kg) that I need to plot on a line graph in Powerpoint. I do not have this kind of advanced Powerpoint knowledge and I'm hoping there is a website that has easy step-by-step instructions posted by twinA at 11:56 AM PST - 4 comments

The bakery/café I work for is looking for a good company to print our menus.
We're looking to print "tall" menus. I'm sorry this is so vague, but I don't know the measurements or name of the type of menu. If I had to guess I'd say ~8" x ~4" — you know, the kind you often see in restaurants/cafés/delis, etc, often with a trifold. We're most likely doing just a double sided piece of paper, though.
We're located in Brooklyn, so we'd be looking for a company somewhere here or in Manhattan. posted by defenestration at 11:56 AM PST - 4 comments

Should we fight to have a g-tube placed in our 10-month-old without general anesthetic? If the hospital insists on general anesthetic, should we find another provider or call the whole thing off? [more inside]posted by gurple at 11:49 AM PST - 13 comments

FinanceFilter: Getting paid in British pounds converted to US dollars -- should I take it now, or hold off in hopes that the pound gains value over the dollar because of the debt ceiling situation, etc.? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 11:38 AM PST - 12 comments

Hi,
I will be going to a teacher associate job interview next week. This is where I will be sort of like a teacher's aide. Do any of you have great comments or responses that will impress the interviewer? [more inside]posted by lynnie-the-pooh at 11:35 AM PST - 12 comments

Looking for a book about dividing a day into 3 shifts: 3 hours for community, 3 hours for land, and 3 hours for personal projects. Explained in a book by a couple who advocated this as a way of life, but I've forgotten the book and the names of the authors. posted by MarioM at 11:27 AM PST - 3 comments

Remanufactured toner cartridge is causing recurring paper jams. But the remanufactured toner cartridge looks identical to the original toner cartridge! What could possible be causing the paper to jam, and has anyone ever figured out a fix or workaround so as to avoid buying the higher cost tone cartridges? [more inside]posted by purefusion at 11:10 AM PST - 14 comments

Automatic sprinklers -- My sprinklers spray too far. I know that the adjustment screw should lower the spray radius. I seem to have trouble making this work. Is there a technique that I'm missing? Is there another sprinkler model that has more adjustment?
Clarification - I'm not talking about fulls, halves and quarters. posted by notned at 10:42 AM PST - 10 comments

Does anyone know of a good way to better curate the blogs and articles I subscribe to/automatically sort through them? I have seen some iPad apps that claim to do things like this, but I don't have an iPad and I don't particularly want to be restricted to only reading on said device even if I did.
Also, any solution for formatting articles in such a way that they could be printed to create a custom magazine or put on a kindle or something like that, to improve the reading experience? [more inside]posted by allfortheBoss at 8:07 AM PST - 10 comments

My husband is approximately 80lbs overweight. I'm at the end of my rope. Advice?
Inside the link is an extremely long post full of special snowflake details. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:06 AM PST - 67 comments

My husband and I are taking our used bike sales & service side business to a new level - the local farmer's market! We're getting our ducks all in a row and getting ready, but have we missed anything? Advice? [more inside]posted by kpht at 7:12 AM PST - 16 comments

Why am I so tired all the time? I get 7-8 hours of sleep at night as well as a 45-60 mins nap after work but for months I’ve been feeling really tired. ALL. THE. TIME. [more inside]posted by She Kisses Wyverns at 4:55 AM PST - 33 comments

Need a step-down converter for plugging a printer sold in the US (110V power) into a 3rd-world socket (240V power). I get the voltage part but watts and amps and such are a bit beyond my electronoobicity. [more inside]posted by allkindsoftime at 4:07 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm trying to remember the name of a piece of Interactive Fiction (IF) I once played, but remember almost nothing about. You start the game, sleeping next to your lover--and you can decide the gender of both your character and the lover--in what is essentially a hunting lodge. Your character can do something like shift into other times or other identities--I can't quite remember. I recall that it is supposed to be very long by normal IF standards. Any help? posted by flibbertigibbet at 3:33 AM PST - 3 comments

I moved/relocated four months ago to a small island in SE Asia. I never really thought much about dating before this - I always seemed to have a partner if I wanted one - but there are so few single guys here looking for Western women that it might become a bit of an issue. But if I try online dating, my matches are likely to be from hundreds of miles away which could end up with me not meeting anyone that way either. Should I give it a go? [more inside]posted by mudkicker at 2:54 AM PST - 10 comments

Assuming an island with its own supply of power via generator and/or solar power, how much electricity is consumed to turn N liters of sea water into potable drinking water? [more inside]posted by thewalrus at 2:30 AM PST - 11 comments

Where can I purchase or download English audio and/or radio dramas based on animes? Is there a website that caters to such a medium? If not, which animes do you know that have been converted to an audio drama? Perhaps a podcast? [more inside]posted by UsagiBride at 2:11 AM PST - 1 comment

Australian superannuation question. I'm a member of Unisuper. I've just received a letter saying that that due to the length of my continued employment, my employer contributions are going from 9% to 17%. Help me understand what this means... [more inside]posted by Jimbob at 1:54 AM PST - 10 comments

Trout fisherpeople. I must feed my family (or eat at sonic) I will be at Gastons weekend after next. I plan to do the lazy man and fish from the bank rather than venturing out in a boat (rod and reel not fly). Give me a list of what I need in my trout tool box. I'm starting out clean. No rod, no reel, no other equipment including line, sinkers and bait. I'll have a knife and I think I remember how to clean a trout but that's about it.
Any equipment, bait, technique, etc. advice greatly appreciated. I do not want to end up eating at the hotel restaurant although it is tasty. I want to buy as much of what I might need before i get there. Prices escalate as you near the site.
Thanks (cleaning pointers also appreciated). posted by Carbolic at 12:10 AM PST - 9 comments

July 26

Yesterday I had an internal interview for a job I really want. I answered most of the questions just fine but one of them, "name a time when something at work depended on you and what did you do?", I bombed for some reason. Now I have a great answer and am thinking of emailing the three people in the interview panel with a revised answer, but I'm not sure whether this would be appropriate. [more inside]posted by hazyjane at 11:01 PM PST - 13 comments

We are finally moving to Brooklyn; Kensington, to be exact. Tell us what you love in our new neighborhood and adjacent ones (Windsor Terrace, Ditmas Park, Flatbush, Borough Park). [more inside]posted by ocherdraco at 10:36 PM PST - 20 comments

YANAD. Boyfriend has pea-ish sized hard mass right above belly button which doesn't protrude. Mild sharp pain, worse after eating. Touching it doesn't cause extra pain. He's also been extra gassy and a bit constipated. First noticed the lump/pain 4-5 days ago. Our health insurance is kicking in August 1st (and it's an HMO, so don't know how fast he'll be able to see someone). Is this something he should see a doctor about immediately? Should I be taking him to an ER? Lumpy masses are scary . . . posted by imalaowai at 10:35 PM PST - 12 comments

Name this fantasy novel series, or possibly two series. A religious war, a sultan with a harem, the hero's wife is kidnapped and ends up in the harem and later his wife's daughter is offered to him in marriage. More recalled details after the jump. [more inside]posted by Eyebrows McGee at 9:31 PM PST - 5 comments

A cousin that my 7-year-old son has a deep friendship with drowned today during recreational lake swimming and is now dead. How do I tell my son about this tragedy, especially the existential/metaphysical questions about death? [more inside]posted by u2604ab at 8:55 PM PST - 35 comments

Does anyone have experience with ordering bulk flowers online? I'm looking for a reliable company to buy a bunch of flowers from for an event in mid September. [more inside]posted by sciencegeek at 8:03 PM PST - 10 comments

How are descriptive bibliographies of modern books useful to scholars & researchers? Rephrased: what questions are answered by the information they contain? [more inside]posted by wowbobwow at 7:52 PM PST - 2 comments

What are some urbanist/transit/cartography/local history-related attractions, exhibits or experiences I can visit/have when I am in New York City in mid-August? [more inside]posted by andrewesque at 7:47 PM PST - 16 comments

Thinking out loud - after reading many articles on the G+ naming problem, it occurred to me all the myriad ways that someone using a pseudonym could accidentally expose their real name. [more inside]posted by Calzephyr at 6:38 PM PST - 26 comments

My family lives in Tokyo, and I grew up there, but I now go to school in the states. My parents want me to come out to visit next month, but I'm a bit concerned about the radiation. They assure me that any increase in the levels is negligible, but I realize that there are many different types of radiation, and food grown in the Fukushima area is still being served in Tokyo. I just really don't want to be a victim of hindsight, and it seems for every reputable article I can find that indicates the levels are safe, I can find another that begs me to reconsider the first. I don't know what to do. I don't want to be paranoid, but I also don't want the whole family to be at risk if there is an overlooked issue. posted by howgenerica at 6:21 PM PST - 22 comments

I'd like to apply to grad schools for biotechnology after spending 5 years working in Pharma quality and I'd like advice on actually getting into one and how to find the right fit for me. [more inside]posted by Kalmya at 6:01 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm trying to find a science fiction story that involves a future where people realize that they don't like people being able to see them when they're on the videophone, so they start wearing masks that hide their facial expressions while they're on the phone. Unfortunately, I can't recall the author or even whether it was a novel or just a short story. My Google-Fu is failing me; do you have any idea what story I'm thinking of? posted by asnider at 5:36 PM PST - 4 comments

I've recently made chit-chat with an attractive barista at a coffee shop I frequent, mostly about the writing group I meet with there and a band we both like that she was playing over the sound system one day. This past weekend I signed into OKCupid for the first time in awhile, and she's one of the first matches that comes up for me. So now not only do I know that she's single, but that we both like several other bands, authors, shows and movies. We actually have a good bit in common. Do I exploit my new-found knowledge of her to make conversation in person (which is publicly posted, and it's not like I went looking for it), or do I message her on OKC in a "fancy meeting you here" sort of way? Which is less creepy? posted by Zorz at 4:54 PM PST - 40 comments

I am a 29-year old straight male who needs some help with both the mechanics of online dating as well as becoming comfortable with the idea of online dating. Snowflakely details inside. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 4:49 PM PST - 31 comments

I'm trying to find a reference to a story I heard of, possibly here but maybe not. It was about a society of pigeon owners that had a voting scheme that worked along the lines of PageRank, where the value of your vote was based on the number of other members voting for you, calculated recursively. It was an old system, possibly around the French Revolution. My Google-Fu is completely failing me. Does any of this ring any bells? posted by scalefree at 4:28 PM PST - 4 comments

I have a computer with way too much music on it, and I have an external hard drive. Can I store all my music on the external hard drive without making iTunes angry? Please explain as if I am twelve. [more inside]posted by showbiz_liz at 3:58 PM PST - 15 comments

We are a small company with 3 subdivisions, each with their own sub-domain:
Main Website: www.widgets.com
Sub Domain 1: things.widgets.com
Sub Domain 2: stuff.widgets.com
Sub Domain 3: morestuff.widgets.com
Right now we can login to our webhost's control panel & admin our website. We are wondering if there's a web host out there that would give us a separate control panel for each subdomain so that the head of each division can admin his own subdomain? posted by motorambler at 3:51 PM PST - 5 comments

Let's say I have $500-$700 to spend on a work week's worth of clothing. And let's say I want to look good — sharp, competent, grown up and well put together, not just vaguely "professional" or dress-code-compliant in a Wal-Mart-khakhis-and-a-polyester-shirt sort of way. (In fact, I have no dress code at all, and I'm totally willing to sacrifice ostensible "dressiness" in the interest of looking sharp and grown up and etcetera.) What should I buy? [more inside]posted by nebulawindphone at 3:41 PM PST - 30 comments

I want to play more games like Nethack, Dwarf Fortress, Liberal Crime Squad, etc. No, not rogue-likes: games with a similiar "made of text" interface. [more inside]posted by Askiba at 3:40 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me tell my sister that she needs to start paying rent. She was going to trade helping around the house for rent, but that's not working out. Details inside. [more inside]posted by Bottlecap at 3:33 PM PST - 27 comments

My friend is having a medieval themed wedding, and I have been asked to play the role of the jester. Other than juggling, what skills should I practice? [more inside]posted by sicem07 at 2:55 PM PST - 18 comments

I've got a weird little bump in my nether regions as a result of an ingrown hair gone wild. Is there a way I can get rid of it? In the meantime, how do I explain its existence to sexual partners without freaking them out? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 2:00 PM PST - 16 comments

What is a good way to have a kitchen table sometimes, but not other times? We don't have space for a permanent kitchen table, but my fiance and I want to be able to have his parents and possibly 2 siblings over for dinner every couple of weeks. I'm having nightmares of plastic fold up card tables (yuck) or the dreaded TV trays (double yuck).
One thing we've thought of is a patio table that can sometimes come inside. Any links to cute looking patio tables that are not too heavy to bring in and out sometimes? Teak? Or? posted by powerbumpkin at 1:23 PM PST - 19 comments

the right trousers.
I've heard that it's possible to get exact duplicates of items of clothing from Indian sources, and would like to know if anyone has any experience of thus or can recommend anyone. I have two pairs of trousers that I love, fairly distinctive, that I wish I could get duplicates made of. if I can just post them to someone and get copies back by return that would be awesome. posted by spyke23 at 12:34 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I transfer text messages from my cell phone to a computer? I can't email from the messaging window. Note: I don't have a SIM card or a memory card. [more inside]posted by mitzyjalapeno at 11:27 AM PST - 9 comments

I may be getting an iPhone for work, would like to know how (or even if?) it is possible to forward SMS/calls to another (Android) phone -- but want to find out BEFORE I actually commit to taking the iPhone [more inside]posted by knockoutking at 11:09 AM PST - 9 comments

Hello!
My husband and I found out we are pregnant. I have heard horror stories of new parents being on a waiting list for over a year for daycare. My husband and I both work and being a domestic engineer is not possible at this time. Relatives and friends are too far away to help with this situation.
I need advice from parents out there.
Is there a universal website for me to see day cares in my area with good/bad reviews? And how trust worthy would these reviews be?
I look forward to your answers.
Thank you! posted by redandblue at 10:54 AM PST - 30 comments

Any Book suggestions for my class that I'm teaching next semester: The course is titled "Personal Security in the Digital Age," basically it's an overview of computer security topics for undergraduate students. I am not requiring a textbook, but I like to give the students a list of books that could help them in the class, and might be good reads. So, what books do you suggest? (Course description and other books on the click) [more inside]posted by fozzie33 at 10:29 AM PST - 11 comments

In the Windows 7 explorer context menu, I'd like to add an item under 'new' that's like "New Folder" but instead creates a folder named e.g. 2011-07-26. I have no idea where I'd start; any approaches or software I should look into? posted by the mad poster! at 9:25 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking for fiction journal or magazine recommendations, and I don't know where to start other than what I don't want: 'Genre' or McSweeney's. [more inside]posted by cobaltnine at 8:56 AM PST - 16 comments

There are organizations that are palliative (e.g. the Red Cross). There are organizations that are arguably transformative on a societal level (e.g. Kiva). Are there organizations in which global post-scarcity is an explicit goal and overarching value? [more inside]posted by zeek321 at 8:25 AM PST - 6 comments

I want to buy a vintage vespa (pre-1970) and I keep seeing a lot of sites selling them out of Vietnam and other parts of Asia.
Does anyone have experience with buying them from one of the websites? Am I better off buying a junker and getting it restored locally? Also - what are the licensing requirements for a Vespa in Massachusetts? posted by joshuamcginnis at 7:41 AM PST - 14 comments

Back when people still used handwriting for pretty much everything, what did they do for acronyms and initialisms? I'm just having a hard time imagining the Palmer uppercase forms being used to spell out NATO or AT&T or the like. Any pictorial examples would be especially appreciated. posted by Busoni at 6:56 AM PST - 21 comments

What is the kindest way to have "the talk" about needing a break from a friendship? Text, phone, IM, email, or face to face? The reason I need this break is because I am in love with him but he's not over his ex, and I've recently realized all this, and discovered it's too painful to keep hearing about her. We've been sleeping together, too, and I thought I would be able to keep it casual but I was wrong. [more inside]posted by sucky_poppet at 6:07 AM PST - 22 comments

Our 15-year-old low pile carpet still looks great. I've been hiring a carpet cleaning machine once every year to keep it that way. But the (foam?) rubber backing has begun to crumble and powder. Can I still use the cleaning machine or will this now hasten the carpet's demise? posted by likeso at 5:34 AM PST - 2 comments

My friend is obsessing over a song that she can't recall any music to, who sang it, or what it's called.
What she remembers: it came out around '91, was about losing someone, sung by a solo female who she thinks had short blonde hair, and the video was shot in black & white. It came out around the same time as Nothing Compares To You, and equally as sad.
I know no better place than here to try and find this song. posted by multiphrenic at 5:29 AM PST - 13 comments

Is moving out of my parents’ house a good or a bad idea? On the one hand if feels foolish to leave behind a rent-free, comfortable room in a loving home, but on the other hand the desire to feel more independent carries a lot more emotional weight for me. [more inside]posted by efsrous at 3:32 AM PST - 29 comments

iPad 2 + Wireless Keyboard, in India. Currently Hindi is not offered as an international option on the iPad, which I guess is understandable since they'd have to create an entirely new touch-screen keyboard for it. But with an external keyboard, shouldn't I be able to use the QWERTY Hindi keyboard available on my Mac? Anyone have any idea how I can make this happen? posted by shesdeadimalive at 2:51 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me find a song! It was on Sirius radio on July 23, between 10am and 3pm mountain time. It was a female singer singing over what sounded like a very Pet Sounds-like arrangement. She sounded like Joni Mitchell to me. (Maybe it was Joni Mitchell!) The song also sounded very familiar. I thought it was Both Siders, Now, but I listened to that song again and that's just guitar. This song sounded just a little more upbeat, more poppy, but equally as beautiful. Any ideas? posted by ageispolis at 1:21 AM PST - 6 comments

Linux netbook filter: So, I'm looking for a fairly inexpensive Linux netbook - mostly to websurf and do some light data-processing. I've looked around and the ZaReason, Inc. Teo Pro looks good for the price point. Do you agree? What upgrades seem worth the price? [more inside]posted by driley at 10:31 PM PST - 12 comments

I just got a fulltime job and I am moving to California- one dream I've always had, when I finally got some money, is giving out $20 and $50 bills to homeless people in Manhattan. Where would be the best place to do this? Or go about it? [more inside]posted by ejfox at 5:44 PM PST - 50 comments

What's the difference between the new "Essentials" line and the original 4th ed D&D books? If I was to buy 4th ed books today, which should I buy and why? [more inside]posted by GuyZero at 5:40 PM PST - 5 comments

I want to use the hub lounge in Seoul Incheon Airport, South Korea. Do I use it before or after immigration? What process should I follow? [more inside]posted by Juso No Thankyou at 5:33 PM PST - 2 comments

Are you a person with an excellent relationship with your parents? Or perhaps you are a parent with an excellent relationship with your kid(s)? Care to share? [more inside]posted by hollyanderbody at 5:28 PM PST - 47 comments

What would be a great wedding present for our friends? The bride is French, early 30s, groom, late 30s, New Zealander. They have two very sweet children, a little girl, three years, and a little boy, just under a year old. Wedding is in France and we won’t be able to attend, but we will be able to see them on Saturday this week. [more inside]posted by t0astie at 5:21 PM PST - 5 comments

What is a typical minimum age at which babies are taken as passengers on bicycles in the Netherlands? What kind of carrier tends to be used at this age (trailer? car seat mounted on bike? bakfiets?). [more inside]posted by Emanuel at 3:32 PM PST - 7 comments

Photoshopfilter: I am making a figure for publication in a science journal. Is there a software or cellular components package that I could use to build diagrams of cells with mitochondria, organelles, receptors and signaling pathways? I am looking to make a schematic that look similar to this (click figures/tables to see it) that I can alter. Is there a components package I could use to build these without making it all from scratch? [more inside]posted by princelyfox at 1:57 PM PST - 4 comments

Can you help me find some free or modestly-priced online reports on the state of the publishing, recorded music, film + photo agencies / picture archives industries in the EU? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 1:21 PM PST - 3 comments

We are moving to the out of the country soon, and I'd like advice on how to tell my kids. What I've found online at other sites has been....less than helpful, so any personal advice or good links appreciated. Possibly relevant details inside. [more inside]posted by digitalprimate at 12:44 PM PST - 19 comments

How do I go about deciding whether I want kids or not? I'm 38 going on 39. I'm female and I'm single. I live in NYC. And I have no idea if I want to have children. How do I go about truly understanding what I want? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 12:15 PM PST - 47 comments

Cool for tweens -- where do I take the kid for back to school now that Justice (which was once Limited Too) is too "preppy" for her without subjecting her to social ostracism?
Please suggest stores, brands, blogs or whatever. [more inside]posted by Gucky at 11:46 AM PST - 25 comments

I buy macs, despite the premium, but my macbook pro just died and fcpx may signal the end of needing a mac to edit video. Should I not buy a mac? [more inside]posted by historyisaweapon at 10:30 AM PST - 31 comments

West Coast Road Trip! Mr. desjardins and I are flying into Seattle in early September, renting a car and driving to San Francisco. What do we do in between? We want places to stay and things to do. Amazing scenery is a priority. [more inside]posted by desjardins at 10:28 AM PST - 26 comments

I need more info (links or book recs) about draft dodges and other similar happenings throughout history and the world (i.e. people relocating to avoid participating in a war). Sources about the Viet Nam draft dodge are great, though I'd rather also have sources about other happenings. posted by mermaidcafe at 10:22 AM PST - 3 comments

1% or 2% of all emails sent to me never arrive. What is going on and how do I fix it! (It has nothing to do with my spam filters or folder.) Help! [more inside]posted by tangyraspberry at 10:08 AM PST - 10 comments

Trying to decide on a DSLR. The deciding factor is low-light performance... but I'm not sure how good is "good enough."
Principally, I'm waffling between the Canon 5D and the Canon 5D Mark-II, which seem to vary almost exclusively in their low-light performance. However, since the "Mark I" 5D has a full-frame sensor (and therefore should have much better low-light performance than any smaller sensor out there, based merely on quantum light noise)... is it good enough for flashless inside photography? The price difference is basically 100%, since I can bet a "Mark I" for $1k used.
Personal experiences, please? posted by IAmBroom at 9:53 AM PST - 21 comments

I'm good at programming computers. But I don't want to be a software developer. What can I do for a career and what should I be doing now to make it possible? [more inside]posted by vogon_poet at 9:02 AM PST - 19 comments

Binoculars. I would like to buy a decent pair of binoculars for a certain someone's upcoming birthday. I don't know much about binoculars, and neither does the recipient. Usage details inside... [more inside]posted by sararah at 8:35 AM PST - 8 comments

Two weddings coming up:
Wedding A is outside at night, and wedding B is indoors at night and the invitation states that it is "formal." I own two suits: a black wool traditional suit, and this one: http://www.mrporter.com/product/301855 [more inside]posted by rbf1138 at 7:58 AM PST - 12 comments

My eye doctor brings in a new second doctor every once in a while, I guess to handle most of the menial check-ups. To my frustration, I have a crush on this current one. I'm due to visit the office one last time in a week or two. What then? YANMD, at least, I hope not. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:57 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm a mid-thirties man, committed relationship, wonderful kids, good job, great life, but I can not stop chasing attractive women. And it is wreaking havoc. How can I stop this, and why don't I want to? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:57 AM PST - 75 comments

Anyone know where I can get a hopper/burner assembly for a Traeger grill (I have the Texas Grill, but any of their line may work)? So far internet searches have been unsuccessful. I have not yet contacted the manufacturer to see if they will sell spares, but all I can find from 3rd parties are spare internals (motors, controllers, etc)... posted by masher at 7:52 AM PST - 2 comments

I have had a mild case of Vitiligo manifest on my face for many years now. I know nothing about make-up. Give me your professional advice on what I need to buy/do to cover up my spottiness with maximum effectiveness. [more inside]posted by Seiten Taisei at 7:15 AM PST - 5 comments

Mr. M. and I have a gunite pool that was installed at our house by a previous owner. We haven't opened it in the 7 years we've lived here. I want to have it renovated so that we can actually use it, but I have some questions. [more inside]posted by Maisie at 6:48 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking for software libraries or downloadable software (preferably the former) that can take an input video, and output a panoramic image. For example, something that allows you to stand in one place, turn around taking a video, and then get a massive stitched jpeg. [more inside]posted by handee at 6:18 AM PST - 12 comments

I didn't pay taxes (federal or state) on my unemployment benefits from January to June of this year. I also won't have any income besides that starting in July. How can I figure out if/how much I'll owe? [more inside]posted by patientpatient at 6:09 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm trying to get over a relationship that ended 6-7 months ago. The problem: my ex-girlfriend and I have a mutual friend who is pretty close to both of us... and I've been feeling very awkward and uncomfortable hanging out with the friend because of it. What should I do? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 6:01 AM PST - 8 comments

Joomla filter: I just launched my new blog publicly, and as I did I noticed some things that should've been dealt with previous. So if you're up for a few Joomla related questions, please feel free to take a look. [more inside]posted by wile e at 5:31 AM PST - 3 comments

Why are satellite photos upside down? When looking at satellite pictures of cities in the northern hemisphere on Google maps, buildings that are leaning away from me are leaning towards the bottom of the screen. This gives me the impression that I'm upside down. The feeling is very strong despite my poor description of it. Is there a particular reason satellite pictures are oriented this way? posted by hoca efendi at 5:18 AM PST - 8 comments

Looking for early 20th century authors similar to Stephen Leacock and Booth Tarkington. My father-in-law enjoys their writings and would like to read similar authors that are in the public domain and are available in ebook format. He would also like to find early downloadable copies of True and Argosy magazines. posted by Raybun at 4:43 AM PST - 2 comments

LondonShoppingFilter: I need to pick up a few travel-related bits and bobs during a one-day stopover in London on Saturday, the 20th of August, and I'd love to have it all done within, say, two or three hours. I'd love recommendations for shops which are relatively close together and well-stocked to save time. [more inside]posted by mdonley at 2:36 AM PST - 15 comments

Hello from Mefi's intern Dom. I'm coming in relatively cold to building iPhone applications and am teaching myself how to do it. What are some good resources/ references that would help make the learning process easier on me? [more inside]posted by Dominic. Allen at 9:03 PM PST - 9 comments

I need to find the best tire store in Northern Virginia. My '04 Tiburon has a wheel that's been leaking air for months and after failures by three different tire shops I'm at my wit's end. [more inside]posted by Jamesonian at 8:11 PM PST - 11 comments

Tell me about/provide links to your favorite low-budget music videos. My husband's a musician, and I have a Flip camera and a copy of iMovie, and we made one video for one of his songs with no budget and it was fun. Even though I have no idea what I'm doing (as Real Filmmaking Types here will notice). [more inside]posted by emjaybee at 8:05 PM PST - 15 comments

Hello
We are thinking of taking a vacation from Sept 2nd to the 11th somewhere south of the united states (no Mexico/Puerto Rico as we just visited these places)
What countries/cities/towns would you all suggest? We are considering weather (including hurricanes), travel time (less is better) from the NW U.S., and looking for an experience that is different from home.
We are thinking of Belize as a possibility but nothing is definite. In the past we have driven across puerto rico and went by (local) bus down the yucatan peninsula. We enjoyed those. We are not interested in going there again but this gives some idea of the kind of travel we enjoy. posted by pakora1 at 6:04 PM PST - 8 comments

Here's an entertaining video from some years ago of John Byner doing his Ed Sullivan bit on Letterman. Enjoy it if you will, or skip to the end. Because my question is: what is the song that Paul and the band play going into commercial? posted by evilcolonel at 4:31 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me wordsmith out the difference between the words know and understand. They seem to be used interchangeably but the meanings must be different. If you have words in languages other than Englosh that can clarify this difference, so much the better. It seems you can know something without understanding it, but can you understand without knowing? posted by Xurando at 4:28 PM PST - 15 comments

Color-value calculation. What's my most efficient way to come up with the hex values of 30 discrete colors that fade as evenly as possible from 220088 to DDCCFF? [more inside]posted by kalapierson at 3:44 PM PST - 9 comments

Can you tell if someone was drinking the night before you meet them? I have been reading several "get the job" books and many of them instruct not to drink the night before an interview. I agree that this is good advice for several reasons, but they also state that people can "tell" if you have been drinking. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 3:11 PM PST - 29 comments

I've had a Canon 5D Mark II for about 2.5 years, and I've recently noticed some bad dust particle issues that are on the sensor or mirror, not the lens. Can someone recommend a good camera store in New York City that could do a good professional job of cleaning my sensor (and an idea of how much this will cost)? I've looked into cleaning kits, and I think I would rather have a professional do it. Thanks! [more inside]posted by samoa at 3:04 PM PST - 4 comments

For a bachelor party in Connecticut, I would like to rent a motorboat big enough for 6 people, for a half-day, ideally near Foxwoods casino, ideally with a bbq grill, two weeks from now. Recommendations please? posted by sninctown at 1:06 PM PST - 1 comment

SF Bay Area: Please recommend a school (vocational, community college, extension university, etc) for someone (age 27) to begin training for a second career in IT. [more inside]posted by KimikoPi at 12:13 PM PST - 7 comments

Toronto: Good place for cocktails on or around Queen West West / Parkdale? Anyone know a good place for a decent martini and/or gimlet in the west end of downtown TO? Open tonight and no insanely loud music. posted by dobbs at 11:33 AM PST - 2 comments

Is Docusign the only game in town? Who is good/cheap/sane on this? I am building a (healthcare) site where users must upload 'signed' forms (no PHI). My fantasy solution: The receiver can see that the form is *signed*, but won't see *exactly who* signed it. Memail me if necessary. Note: not talking about digital signatures, but *legally* electronically signed. Educate me on how 'legally signed', 'authenticated', and 'digitally signed' intersect. posted by gregglind at 10:58 AM PST - 5 comments

"Fly me" : I'm looking for more information on the early restrictions on flight attendants- that they be single, slim, attractive, etc. Who pioneered these policies? How much did they vary across the globe? Did other industries at the time have formalized policies with similar biases? [more inside]posted by abirdinthehand at 10:46 AM PST - 19 comments

Lightweight yet comfortable furniture that can be moved out of the way easily? Asking for my mom who runs a rental cabin but also hosts yoga classes form time to time. [more inside]posted by Rocket26 at 10:34 AM PST - 10 comments

As part of a gift to the groomsmen for my upcoming wedding, I am getting each of them a book that is relevant to their lives or interests. I need some help picking out a book for two of the groomsmen, based on some specific criteria: [more inside]posted by Falconetti at 10:00 AM PST - 15 comments

Looking for resources relating to the Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) for a school project. I especially need some high resolution images, video (I've found some good stuff on YouTube) and general information (you know, besides WikiPedia and a cursory Google search). Does anyone know of any outstanding resources out there? posted by jeroum at 9:54 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm a developer at a C++ shop right now, and would like to expand my skills in order to be more versatile and marketable. What's the next programming language I should learn? (I know some assembly, and very basic HTML) posted by Stephanie Duy at 9:21 AM PST - 31 comments

My mom has a lot of stuff to sell, and she doesn't want the hassle of a do-it-yourself approach. What kind of people should we involve? We're thinking maybe an ebay broker for the small stuff and an estate person for the big stuff. (Or else maybe a place like Sotheby's?) Know any good ones who serve Westchester, NY? How would we find good people? [more inside]posted by daisyace at 8:37 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm always impressed by the abilities of the hivemind to craft clear and concise messages. I come to you, today, to request your help. What's the best way to tell someone you would really like to be friends with them, after having gone on a few dates? Not "lets be friends" as an easy let down, but "wow, you're really cool, and I want to hang out, I just don't want to have anything romantic with you." [more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:32 AM PST - 26 comments

When it comes to very expensive medicines, how much of the cost is due to just the production of the drugs and how much is because of other factors? [more inside]posted by gkhan at 8:21 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking for an app that will create a daily schedule of events (for a conference). Needs to be able to: be displayed on the web, display multiple events throughout the day (hour-by-hour) – some events happen concurrently, link each entry to another web page (event details), and be able to be used by non-programmers.
See sample of ideal look here
Google Calendar comes close but it does not seem to have the ability to link individual entries to outside webpages – and it compresses all events that happen at the same time into a very narrow column so info becomes unreadable, and, of course, each person viewing needs and account. posted by pmaxwell at 7:46 AM PST - 5 comments

What are the best temp agencies for non-profit work in the United States? Specifically, I am looking for agencies in Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, New York City and San Francisco. posted by parmanparman at 7:18 AM PST - 4 comments

I've accepted that I likely won't be completely over my ex until after we both graduate. Considering that, how can I deal with being around her? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:13 AM PST - 13 comments

We are having cut backs at work. One of the office staff was laid-off and I was told directly I would be expected to do her duties along with my current duties. This starts Monday, I and everyone else in the office knows I will not be able to be as efficient as I have been up to now. How can I not stress about this? If my boss jumps on to me I have decided I will just tell her I am doing the best I can. Has anyone else been in this situation and what are some words of advice you can give me to help me through this? (I live in a small town and jobs are scarce, I need to try to keep this job unless something better comes up.) posted by anonymous at 5:40 AM PST - 14 comments

What's the best way to deal with a team member who insists on being uncooperative and confrontational regardless of the approach taken to resolve the sitation at either a team or personal level? [more inside]posted by NeonSurge at 4:08 AM PST - 15 comments

Does a water filter filter plastics like BPA? Is there a way to test my tap water for them? Are there water filters that do not contain plastic? Does Aquafina or any other filter plastics? [more inside]posted by vash at 11:05 PM PST - 10 comments

Semi-regular need for freelance experts in things that are not "my areas of expertise," as Hodgeman would put it. Help needed not in finding particular people, but in knowing where and how to find the experts I need. [more inside]posted by webhund at 9:46 PM PST - 4 comments

My girlfriend was straightening the sheets before we got into bed tonight and found this little guy crawling around. It has a wispy tail and a bunch of little legs underneath and is about 2cm long. Anyone know what it is? posted by dave78981 at 8:26 PM PST - 15 comments

Will I be okay? I ate broken glass tonight. Finely-crushed small particles. Not on purpose -- I'm not a circus geek. Broken glass is one of a very few things that freak me out. Will I be okay? Sure, probably, but I'm freaked out. [more inside]posted by Shane at 5:54 PM PST - 24 comments

Is a full video of the Brazil vs. US Women's World Cup match available anywhere online? Google is failing me. Would like the full game and would rather not watch multiple clips, if possible. posted by mudpuppie at 4:11 PM PST - 4 comments

Is there a site that approaches (online) purchasing of apparel from a serious and rigorous consumer perspective? I'm thinking of a site where I select, say, t-shirts and get detailed information about the garment, various garment variations (athletic t-shirt, work t-shirt, etc), washing Instructions, which high quality value brands that sell t-shirts, verified quality testing of t-shirts from forementioned brands, etc. posted by Foci for Analysis at 3:34 PM PST - 3 comments

We're living in Portland, Oregon and I'm looking to buy a bike I can use to cycle a few miles to work downtown and get around our neighbourhood. There's so many bike shops here we don't know where to start looking. I'd prefer a good-quality secondhand bike, but could probably stretch to a new one if I had to. Neither of us are bike nerds so are wary of being sold the wrong thing, so we're after a place that will give us good, honest, advice and have a good range of bikes. Thanks. posted by TheDonF at 3:08 PM PST - 9 comments

What are some really old-fashioned toys (no plastic please, other than LEGOs) that can still be easily purchased locally, and at what stores? Craft stores?
Bonus if you can sort them by age group (but hey, wood blocks never get old!) [more inside]posted by midnightmoonlight at 2:52 PM PST - 33 comments

I'm picking up the clarinet again after more than a decade off and need some help improving my tone / getting my breath back. Are there any online resources that will help with this? posted by youcancallmeal at 11:06 AM PST - 2 comments

I am a 52 y/o woman with a perfect driving record but for the last 20 years I have only driven in Idaho--Boise is the biggest traffic I have seen in the last 20 years. We may be moving to the Fresno area and I will want to drive the freeways to LA and SF and be confident about it. I need advice because I have really developed some anxiety when I think about it.
Last weekend my husband and I rented a car and drove from the Fresno airport to a smaller city nearby and I was even nervous as a passenger when he had to use the GPS to find our ways on the freeways. We had to keep up our speed even when we did not know when/where to turn off. The Hertz GPS magellan was not that good but it still looked nerve-wracking to me!
What advice can you give me? I would love to be able to take off from Fresno and drive to LA for the day sometime.
How will I get confident about this type of driving? It seems the traffic goes much faster than I am used to and people are changing lanes faster and with less notice too.
I would be smart enough to know not to head to LA during the rush hours but even in lower traffic I am experiencing anxiety even thinking about it!
Thanks for your help! posted by seekingsimplicity at 11:05 AM PST - 21 comments

Does anybody have any current information about snagging an expiring domain name? I have read some articles but the information is a few years old. Specifics inside. [more inside]posted by Lovable Hooligan at 10:16 AM PST - 3 comments

Salespeople: I'm considering changing careers and entering sales - possibly in the real estate industry. How do I decide what to sell and how do I get started from there? [more inside]posted by iamisaid at 8:45 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm not saying that I think the US will default in 10 days, but I am nervous enough to start thinking about covering my butt. I have some money socked away. Its not much, but its something, and I would really love for it all not to somehow evaporate. [more inside]posted by tempythethird at 7:48 AM PST - 10 comments

Toddler Zizzle doesn't like being read to, but he likes to "read" books on his own. Should we make more effort to read to him, or is this okay for now? [more inside]posted by zizzle at 7:00 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm staying at a hotel in Taipei. After the last time my room was cleaned (that is, earlier today), I noticed that a partially-consumed water bottle I'd left in my room had had a cotton ball taped to it. Any idea what the significance of this might be? posted by Mummy of a Lady Named Jemutesonekh at 2:01 AM PST - 12 comments

I don't like fancy dress parties but I have to go to one tonight. The theme is '18 certificate movies'. I would like to wear a suit, preferably my light grey pinstripe one, I don't like to wear ties. I have hair, medium length, that I can wear loosely or slicked back. Is there any character from an over 18 movie you can think of that, perhaps with some easy accessorizing, I can 'imitate'? posted by wildatheart at 1:49 AM PST - 10 comments

i got a wristband for this rock festival this weekend. i've never seen this kind of bracelet before. it's a one time woven wrist bracelet with a metal buckle that looks crimped. i want to get it off right now because it's cramping my wrists (as well as my style) but i don't want to cut it off. help? [more inside]posted by sammich at 12:36 AM PST - 4 comments

Does anyone know of a book or article that might be of help to a child and his family (he will soon be 12) whose mother died at childbirth. He is the nephew of a dear friend, the boy really values family and as he is maturing, realizes more and more, that each birthday also marks the anniversary date of his mothers' death. He is was adopted by a paternal aunt and is being raised in a loving family. If anyone has suggestions on how best to support the boy and his family, it is much appreciated. If anyone has first hand experience with this, your knowledge would be much appreciated. The issue is clearly much bigger than his birthday, but is there any way to help him emotionally to deal with this reality as he matures. posted by jennstra at 12:13 AM PST - 10 comments

July 22

I have bought a international convertor - and a foreign travel voltage
Converter. I need to know which one is correct for all my appliances to work. OR I need to get something different. All the appliances are listed below.. Thanks for your help in advance. Going to Italy.
Kooky Kathy [more inside]posted by KookyKathy at 10:21 PM PST - 10 comments

Cheek swelling and pus after local anesthesia and a fairly minor procedure at the dentist. I went back today and he prescribed an antibiotic, but I am still worried. (Grossness inside...) [more inside]posted by ZeroDivides at 10:07 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for a smartphone that's hackable and moddable, but I'm a lazy geek so I'm really looking for something that has a strong and independent development community that's already done most of the hacking and modding for me. What's the best phone for me? posted by wheloc at 9:32 PM PST - 7 comments

I am trying to individuate myself from both of my parents, who are controlling in completely different ways. My mom is the smothering type. My question is this: Since I am becoming an individual and doing my own thing, how do I interact with her when I talk and see her from now on? [more inside]posted by minx at 7:57 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I remove tight screws from laptop hard drive caddies?
I'm trying to swap the hard drives from one laptop to another. Yet I can't get them out of their respective caddies. Is there some trick that makes it possible to loosen the screws without risking the hard drives? posted by Yakuman at 5:04 PM PST - 12 comments

Fuck! I corrupted the BIOS on a Toshiba L305D trying to update it in windows 7 (which i later realized was an incredibly stupid idea). It was a laptop we fixed and we were getting ready to sell it on our floor. Boss wants me to come in Monday with a fix. There seems to be a way to fix it using crisis BIOS recovery. But I need a BIOS.rom file. HELP!!! [more inside]posted by NotSoSiniSter at 5:03 PM PST - 12 comments

I seem to have volunteered to write a regular newspaper column on the Arts in my local community. I have a mentor who will find topics for me and introduce me to the right people. What I need now is resources / examples and anything that I might not have thought to ask about (including pitching to the paper). posted by b33j at 4:32 PM PST - 3 comments

I bought a cotton duvet cover a few years ago that is wonderful - it stays cool and if you ever get too warm, you can just flip it over. Unfortunately the store I got it from is now closed and I can't get another one. The other duvet cover I have keeps me way too warm at night time, even with the same duvet underneath. I've noticed that the cool duvet cover feels silkier than the warm one, but is still made of cotton.
Where can I get a duvet cover that keeps me cool? What should I be looking for? Also bonus points for any links to places that ship to Canada. posted by ajackson at 4:03 PM PST - 6 comments

Why is my wireless router WZR-HP-G300NH not mounting my USB External HD?
I'm trying to access my Western Digital My Passport SE external hard drive through the wifi connection on the router. I have it plugged into the USB port on the router and it is powering on, but not mounting.
What have I done wrong?
How can I get this to work?
Does anyone know how to go about accessing the hard drive files once it is mounting properly?
I'll be using my MacBook to access the files and would like to stream my movies wirelessly from the external HD. [more inside]posted by thatgirl1985 at 3:49 PM PST - 9 comments

I just got home to find my house flooded. The tank on the back of the commode cracked open and has been running all day. What do I do to dry the ceiling, avoid damage? [more inside]posted by misterpatrick at 2:39 PM PST - 7 comments

This ring turned up at my deceased grandmother's house and no one recognized it. General consensus was that it looked like a man's ring from the 1970s. The band/base appears to be gold and the design appears to be rose gold. Can anyone recognize the design or shed any light on this?
Pics:
123posted by Slinga at 2:20 PM PST - 6 comments

For the last several months, I have used an online text editor to write upcoming posts for my blog. When I had my computer reimaged, I lost my open tabs, and now I can't find the website I was using to edit text. I was 99% sure that the site was called QuickWrite or QuickWriter, but I can't seem to find it again. [more inside]posted by allison00 at 2:05 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm looking to get a video camera, specifically a quick, durable thing for using with and around a new baby. Super bonus points for being water proof. Details and thoughts inside. [more inside]posted by filthy light thief at 1:58 PM PST - 8 comments

We were forced from Alltel to AT&T this spring, and got the freebie phone that was offered, which is, frankly, a rather crappy phone. But, this is the first phone I've ever had with a SIM card. Does that card mean I can get any phone with a SIM-card slot, insert the SIM, and - viola - it's suddenly my phone? [more inside]posted by AzraelBrown at 1:44 PM PST - 4 comments

As a result of habitual distance running, I have very ugly toenails. As I'm male it's not socially acceptable for me to paint them, so what can I do to mitigate their unloveliness? posted by killdevil at 1:16 PM PST - 25 comments

What is the webcomic whose characters are depictions of buildings? Or ... something like that. I'm sure this exists. For some reason I'm convinced that Khrushchev is a character. posted by kenko at 12:42 PM PST - 3 comments

This theme has been stuck in my head ever since I saw Big Man Japan. As I'm not an expert on Asian music, can some kind MeFites point me towards music similar to this? What genre/style is this called? Looking up the artist's other music, or the rest of the soundtrack, hasn't proved fruitful. posted by Senza Volto at 12:40 PM PST - 1 comment

My sister is looking for undergraduate research funding to support some field work in Japan for her BA thesis project. She's especially interested in questions about gender and sexuality. Any advice on grant-giving organizations she might look into? [more inside]posted by bubukaba at 11:45 AM PST - 4 comments

Have you (or someone you know well) loved someone but weren't "in love" with them (had a strong, warm, happy relationship but one that wasn't very intense, passionate, etc) and gotten married/been in a long-term partnership? Did it matter that you weren't "in love" exactly? If it led to problems, what were they? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 10:46 AM PST - 56 comments

I want to write a batch file that will let me change the extensions of all the files of a certain type (so, like, "ren *.nco *.zip") through all of the sub-directories in a directory. If this is possible, how is it done? [more inside]posted by The Great Big Mulp at 10:13 AM PST - 7 comments

UK LegalFilter: Can you do a dead person for benefit fraud? What happens if you try? Details include a house sold privately, and a whole lot of uncertainty. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:28 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm a recent architecture graduate trying to decide if I should be following an academic or professional route, and I'm losing a lot of sleep over the uncertainty. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:28 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm looking for the simplest and cheapest way to set up a video camera at a temporary site that I can access on line. Is there a way to use one of those hotspot cards?
Usually we use a dvr system that has a static ip, forward the port within the router and then dynamic dns or something like that but I want to eliminate the need for the computer, router, and permanent connection.
Thanks! posted by Raichle at 9:12 AM PST - 3 comments

My bf and I just found out that his family vacation in Fort Walton Beach has been canceled, but we have plane tickets that we'd rather not have to pay to change. We will be there Aug. 4-10, and are looking for suggestions for things to keep us busy. The beach is the obvious one, but do you know of any other cool activities nearby? Disney World is a six-hour drive, so we're considering renting a car and heading over there for a few days, but we'd love other ideas. [more inside]posted by odayoday at 8:09 AM PST - 18 comments

Help me be the best tutor EVER. Looking for any tips or advice, plus specifically tips for tutoring math, the kinds of obstacles I might face tutoring economically disadvantaged students, and tips for communicating with parents that may not speak English. [more inside]posted by Nattie at 7:55 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm asking for my mom who is worried for her sister -
Should my aunt/her sister continue to pay to keep clearing her credit while waiting to close on her house? [more inside]posted by grablife365 at 7:46 AM PST - 17 comments

I want to put a backpack up for sale on Craigslist, but I wanted to make sure I knew what kind of thing it was first -- but I can't find what I think is the brand name, and looking at the type of pack it was supposed to be also doesn't look right. What the hell kind of pack do I have? [more inside]posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:43 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm trying to resurrect an old Casio CPS-85 88 key keyboard. When it was given to me, the power jack was cracked, so I desoldered it and soldered on a new one. No luck; I can't get power (even with a different power supply). So I'm stuck running off of a lot of D batteries. As using D cells is both wasteful and expensive.is there any way for me to rig an external power supply to the battery terminals in a safe manner? posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 7:07 AM PST - 6 comments

Using Excel 2000, I need to do conditional formatting with 5 options. This isn't possible with actual conditional formatting, but it is possible using Visual Basic. Unfortunately, I know nothing about Visual Basic. Specifics inside. [more inside]posted by jeather at 6:49 AM PST - 23 comments

A long-distance relationship complicated by issues relating to (his) ex-girlfriends, potentially alarming interaction and cross-cultural issues. Also, wonderful and lovely in most ways. So, since my head and heart are a hodgepodge of contradictory thoughts and feelings, I would like to ask for your help with this. Trailing past discussions has provided some valuable insights, but did not clarify my core issues, so I hope this AskMe is on track. [more inside]posted by miorita at 6:14 AM PST - 25 comments

Travel rec's!!! I have a ten hour layover in Reykjavik - what should I do???
Also - I have a getaway weekend in London - where should I go??? [more inside]posted by ashtabula to opelika at 4:27 AM PST - 14 comments

Late adopter looking to upgrade 7yr old work and personal desktop & laptop. Please expand my mind and options with reference to gadgetry and software. [more inside]posted by the fish at 4:10 AM PST - 7 comments

July 21

My spouse and I are heading to Northern Europe toward the end of the summer, and we'll be staying for 2 1/2 weeks. We'll be landing in Copenhagen and staying for five days, but we haven't planned beyond that. Where else should we go? [more inside]posted by palmcorder_yajna at 11:41 PM PST - 8 comments

I was prescribed a shot (some broadspectrum antibiotic that hurt really bad) and pills: 500mg Keflex 4x/day for 10 days. This was to treat a pubic boil. My compliance has sucked to say the least. I try hard to remember but I'm not doing well with it. I've taken 11 pills out of 40. I should have taken 35 pills by now. Am I hurting myself? Should I continue taking them? I have a message into my doc to fess up to my slackitude. posted by anonymous at 8:16 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm an attorney in California, and literally have a last minute two-month project in downtown DC, that just came up. Other than Craigslist, any suggestions where I can find minimal shared housing for the two months, that's within walking distance of the metro? I'll only be there to sleep pretty much, so looking to pay under $550/month for each month. I am checking Craigslist, but wondered if there were any other places that would be wise to check. Thanks. posted by america4 at 7:56 PM PST - 6 comments

For the sake of this question, assume everything in the Bible is true/real. Do you have to be a practicing Christian to cast out demons in the name of Jesus Christ? [more inside]posted by IndigoRain at 7:39 PM PST - 30 comments

Help me be sad. Recommend to me depressing, sad, mournful fiction. Books that made you sad and a tad tearful. I just want to access these emotions and be taken away in good writing and wonderful characters. Any genre is acceptable except YA (unless you can prove it is real exceptional YA I suppose). Less cliched angst situations as well. posted by kanata at 7:21 PM PST - 88 comments

Boychild has just declare "The Goonies" the greatest movie ever. He has requested other films in which "there is adventure, with a group" as in the group is all friends, or brothers, or have some other sort of comraderie. My mind has drawn a complete blank on other fine pre-teen/teen films that have risen to classic status. [Additional data point: Also seen and approved: 3 Ninjas.] posted by Dr. Zira at 6:04 PM PST - 85 comments

A combination of rubbing alcohol, witch hazel and dissolved aspirin leaked onto my granite (or some other type of pretty rock countertops?) in my bathroom. It appears to have taken off some of the shiny finish and stained it. Is there anything I can do? [more inside]posted by whoaali at 5:38 PM PST - 5 comments

I am going on a road trip next week that will include Ithaca, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and points in between. I'd love some suggestions of fun, amazing, quirky, or air conditioned things to do along the way. We'll be coordinating rest stops so any 'in between' suggestions would be especially appreciated. Moderately physically active OK, strenuous not so much. Trip includes very small children. posted by bq at 4:56 PM PST - 22 comments

Hubby and I have from this Saturday morning to Sunday night for a vacation! We live about 20 min outside Philadelphia. Organized breakdown of info inside. [more inside]posted by assasinatdbeauty at 4:46 PM PST - 11 comments

Has a domestic cat ever actually killed a human being? I can't find any evidence of this, and yet, I keep running into people who seem weirdly fearful of cats (and no, I am not talking about allergic folks). What is going on? [more inside]posted by aecorwin at 4:31 PM PST - 55 comments

I'll be studying abroad in Japan for a year, and I'd like to use my (unlocked) iPhone as my cell phone while I'm there. This presents two problems. What do I do with my current plan and phone number, and what plan do I get once I'm in Japan? [more inside]posted by reductiondesign at 3:38 PM PST - 3 comments

I'd like to take my smartphone (HTC Hero) with me when I'm cycling and use it as a trip computer. Problem: I'm nervous that I'll be taking it home in pieces. Are there any smartphone bike mounts that will secure my Hero to the bike as well as protect it in the event that I crash? posted by talkingmuffin at 3:18 PM PST - 6 comments

I think it's time to get rid of my best friend for the past 15 years. I don't want to, nor do I know how to, but I think I have to. Messy details within. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 2:39 PM PST - 32 comments

Looking for an efficient, respectful and fair process for a group of 10-15 people to reach a consesus.
Some of the desired results: everyone would be heard respectfully (talking stick?) and cast a vote, a maximum amount of people would end up aligned with the choice, minimized influence of power games and hidden agendas, speedy (1-2 minutes per participant, including voting, so w/ 10 participants, a solid decision could be made in 10-15, max 20 minutes)
Have you experienced an effective process supporting the above? What does it look like, step by step?
Is there a resource where I can look up practical approaches to community-based choice-making? posted by andreinla at 2:35 PM PST - 16 comments

My sister is going to university in September. It's her birthday soon, and I want to get her something that will make her life easier while there. What could I get her? [more inside]posted by daysocks at 2:11 PM PST - 21 comments

I've been tasked with holding a 'texting/SMS contest' tomorrow night, in front of a crowd at the county fair. I've got some ideas on how to do it, but I figure y'all might be able to offer more or improve mine... [more inside]posted by unixrat at 1:12 PM PST - 11 comments

I want to watch the Copa America final on Sunday in a bar in Baltimore. It will be playing on Univision. Where should I start looking for such a bar? Or, does someone have a recommendation for a bar that will likely show it, such as a Paraguyan or Uruguayan restaurant? posted by josher71 at 12:50 PM PST - 5 comments

The oil cleansing method for skincare. Have you used it? How'd it work out (esp. for you acne-prone combination skin sorts)? How long did it take for your skin to adjust to the regimen? What's your routine? posted by liketitanic at 12:43 PM PST - 21 comments

I'm been using both Google Adwords and a Facebook ad to promote an new album, but I think I'm using weak "keywords". Could I get the Metafilter community to look at a few no budget videos I've made to help me figure out "better" keywords to advertise my music? Or am I just wasting my money? [more inside]posted by Dr.Rhetoric at 11:37 AM PST - 6 comments

I will have about 2 hours and probably 20-30 high school students to entertain. Indoors or outdoors. Supplies can be gotten, so long as they're not outrageously involved. Save me!? [more inside]posted by resiny at 11:22 AM PST - 8 comments

How do I rig a shower in my bathroom when there is no drain? A pal installed a functional shower head, now I just need to get rid of the water somehow. There is a sink and toilet right next to the soon-to-be shower, and I was thinking a pump in a basin with a tube that empties into the sink is the way to go. But what kind of pump? Is there a smarter way to go about all of this? [more inside]posted by thegreatfleecircus at 11:08 AM PST - 23 comments

How do you apply concealer on acne without making it more obvious? Every time I try and put concealer on, it ends up magnifying the flaky skin around my zits. [more inside]posted by mlo at 10:27 AM PST - 24 comments

Wireless network question! This one's pretty specific to my living circumstances, since what I want to do is share the network in a house across a courtyard from mine. [more inside]posted by dorothy humbird at 10:10 AM PST - 11 comments

I have a friend living in Korea. She's a freshman in college but wants to study art history here in the US. She's worried about paying for it all and wonders if another country might be better. I know nothing about this. What's the best course of action? [more inside]posted by jykmf at 9:01 AM PST - 7 comments

If I have a dependent categorical variable with two values (say, basketball fans vs non-fans) and an independent numerical variable (say, height in millimeters) what statistical tests could I use to analyze my data, besides a t-test? [more inside]posted by danceswithanonymity at 8:55 AM PST - 13 comments

Help me find a half-remembered children's book about a little girl and her pet, and what they say when they get the chance to speak one sentence to each other. [more inside]posted by Encipher at 8:12 AM PST - 11 comments

I don't know much about music and I don't have a large music vocabulary - once you get past "bassline" I am reduced to saying things like "It was very squeaky yet melodic somehow, you know?" I would like some sources for critical writing about more complicated modern music. [more inside]posted by Frowner at 8:07 AM PST - 9 comments

I have three weeks of between-job vacation. All I really have to do is go to a few meetings and do an in-state move. I haven't had this sort of vacation in years. I'd like to take this time to recharge and nourish my poor, battered, stressed-out body, mind and soul. Any suggestions? [more inside]posted by Elly Vortex at 7:35 AM PST - 15 comments

How can I change the manner in which I handle my e-addressing needs: 1. email address forwarding, 2. a couple of domains, where all I need is registration and the DNS mapping? [more inside]posted by mcstayinskool at 7:24 AM PST - 9 comments

MangaFilter: So, I recently watched Gantz, the live action movie, and it was so delightful, it inspired me to read the manga, and now I am addicted to it. A couple years back, I also enjoyed the DeathNote movies, as well as Oldboy. I seem to be attracted to a kind of manga that is quite grounded in reality, that trespasses into the fantastic, and goes to very dark places, and likes to play with ideas. Please, can you recommend other manga of the type I like? Thanks. posted by Sully at 7:03 AM PST - 12 comments

How can I stop dwelling on the past and live in the present instead? I'd like to know of any coping strategies you've had which allowed you to move on from mistakes you've made and live life more fully in the present, while dealing with self-destructive tendencies and poor discipline. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 6:19 AM PST - 11 comments

Almost 60, physically disabled (can still drive and walk) male on disability. What jobs can I get to supplement my income? I've read the posts here and googled 'til I can't see straight. I was thinking proofreading, medical billing, delivering pizza etc. I looked into Leapforce and Guru but didn't go to college. I worked in the service industry -electric, alarms, building maintenance- never sat at a desk but am computer semi literate, thanks.
Thanks. posted by jara1953 at 6:04 AM PST - 18 comments

Do you have any hints, tips, or advice for finding a room to live in Amsterdam? This is the first time I am looking at private non-student renting, and I could use all the help I can get. [more inside]posted by tumples at 5:41 AM PST - 6 comments

So I just got word that I'm getting laid off at the end of the month. Work has been getting more and more insane for the past few years, and I'm getting a pretty good severance package so I can't say I'm exactly mournful about this. You know that guy who loses his job and spend the next several months never putting on pants and only answering to the name of his level ninety night elf. Help me not be that guy! [more inside]posted by Kid Charlemagne at 5:35 AM PST - 21 comments

What immediate isolated actions or habits could I take on to add $1000 more to my bank account each year? And which can I take on in the next 3-5 years that will pay off even more? [more inside]posted by jander03 at 5:30 AM PST - 25 comments

Since its inception, television has often been criticized for a lack of writing and/or artistic quality when compared to books. What television show made you realize for the first time that television has the potential not only for entertainment but also for quality storytelling? [more inside]posted by schleppo at 5:09 AM PST - 72 comments

I am redesigning a high-school Algebra course so as to make it more meaningful to the students. To that extent, I am trying to gather as many examples throughout our world of linear relationships. I was hoping to tap into the collective wisdom of this group to come up with as long a list as possible of linear relationships that actually exist (not contrived stuff). I once knew a teacher who had a plant that grew at a linear rate. I don't know the type of plant, however. And there are so many other linear relationships around us. I don't want everything they see be about a car's distance from home or the amount of money they saved. What do you know of that exhibits a linear relationship? I'd love to have a long list for students so that they see that studying linear relationships in Algebra really does matter. Thanks for any help in making this course more worth while to the students! posted by mathmatters at 5:06 AM PST - 16 comments

Need ideas for websites I could build. I am going to be in between jobs in the next few months. That gap could be a week or it could be a year depending on how long it takes to find my next gig. During that gap I would like to stay productive. I am a project manager, but I can write decent python/js/css/html. I need ideas for websites I could build that 1) I would have fun doing, 2) Would be something I could talk about in interviews, and 3) Could maybe produce a community, traffic, or a few dollars. [more inside]posted by jasondigitized at 4:05 AM PST - 5 comments

Should I get a new camera? Alternately, how do I improve my P&S skills? I have a Canon Powershot SD630 Elph, and I maybe want a micro 4/3. I'm headed to hike for three months in some places like here, here, and Nepal. [more inside]posted by acidic at 1:29 AM PST - 6 comments

Where can I find significant/classic/cherished NPR pieces from the 70's, 80's, and 90's? Archive.org has scarce selection and NPR.org doesn't seem to archive earlier the early 90's. posted by Taft at 1:21 AM PST - 4 comments

I live and work in China and, in addition to my regular job, help a fierociously intelligent nineteen-year-old girl with her English twice a week. I don't so much teach her as talk to her and attempt to develop her debating skills. Though not perfect, her English is very good so discussion is often deep with a tendency to take unpredictable twists and turns. We've taken to reading thoughtful articles together and then discussing the main points in addition to noting down any unfamiliar vocabulary. I'd be grateful if Hivemind could suggest some provocative, not overly academic articles that could serve this purpose. I'm running out of ideas. [more inside]posted by Zé Pequeno at 12:53 AM PST - 16 comments

July 20

Some misconceptions are so pervasive that they're even believed and taught by experts. What are some of these misconceptions in countries other than the US? [more inside]posted by Kutsuwamushi at 9:46 PM PST - 59 comments

With one small student loan, one small line of credit, and a decent savings built up, how can I improve my credit score so that I can get a nicer credit card? [more inside]posted by apip at 9:28 PM PST - 11 comments

Which 80s or 90s teen-oriented TV show character does this guy look eerily like? I remember the character as being a bit of a schemer and he was either the lead or a major character.
[http://oi54.tinypic.com/25tzv3b.jpg] posted by sixswitch at 8:25 PM PST - 17 comments

You know that text that shows up under the link in a Google search result? Where does it come from? Specific example follows, in which the text is nowhere on the website in question. [more inside]posted by Alaska Jack at 7:23 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm a dude going to marry a dude in New York State. Said dude I am going to marry is a resident alien from the UK. Will the UK recognize the marriage? Does he become an American Citizen by marrying him? Does that counteract his UK citizenship? What are my rights, here? posted by The Whelk at 6:41 PM PST - 30 comments

My father unexpectedly passed away last weekend from a heart attack. I am not religious. Part of my family, and most of our community of friends & extended family, are. Help me navigate the religious talk without either going on the defensive, or being complacent. [more inside]posted by raztaj at 6:26 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm trying to track down a statue of a female wildland firefighter (1, 2). It is about 6" tall and has been in existence for at least a decade. [more inside]posted by RachelSmith at 5:56 PM PST - 5 comments

I have an image (I own it) that I want to post online for anyone to edit. Is there an online editing tool where someone can edit the image and then upload or save it right there for us to use? I get more specific inside.... [more inside]posted by jtajta at 4:41 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm a solo UI designer for an ad agency & I'm looking for good website or blogs that'll inspire me to make cool & effective user interfaces. Individual websites are cool & all ,but what I'm really looking for are sites like TheFWA or SmashingMagazine that curate cool designs.
Bonus points for sites that look at e-commerce websites.
Fellow web designers: Where do you get inspiration? posted by cuando at 3:49 PM PST - 6 comments

What has your experience been with regaining US Citizenship after voluntarily renouncing it? Wiki and word of mouth says previous citizens would be welcome...mostly... [more inside]posted by talljamal at 3:16 PM PST - 21 comments

I live in NYC and I have never been to Atlantic City, though an AC-bound jitney service stops in my neighborhood. I've heard about all sorts of insane deals that hotels and casinos roll out to lure customers; what's the best/cheapest way to take advantage of this in the next couple of months? I'd like to travel to AC with a partner and stay a couple days, paying for as little as humanly possible. Caveat: I'm only willing to do a little cheap, incidental gambling; mostly I'd like to do my own thing once I'm there. posted by hermitosis at 1:40 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm going to be moving into a van for awhile. What should I expect and what are some things I can do to make it as comfortable as possible? [more inside]posted by Lutoslawski at 1:01 PM PST - 21 comments

Looking for an apartment share. There are limited options in my price range, so I need to maximize my appeal. What can I do to make myself sound like a good roommate in my intro emails and calls? [more inside]posted by Fire at 12:42 PM PST - 31 comments

okay, two fold question. My best friend (a petite woman) has always had really sensitive toes. If she stubs them, or anything falls on them, it hurts a lot, and she feels nauseous.
Also, when doing yoga positions that require standing on one foot, the soles of her feet burn, or tingle.
She is in great physical shape, age in the latter 50's, and does not have diabetes. Thoughts on any of this or all? posted by ecollie at 12:26 PM PST - 3 comments

We need a new litter brand! We have 3 cats and a relatively small space in which they live. The recent heat wave has not helped matters. Ideally the new litter will not stink up the house with odor-covering chemicals. Help? [more inside]posted by slightly sissy tea hound at 12:13 PM PST - 41 comments

Using various relatively cheap adaptors, zoom lenses and lens-reversal rings (the greatest thing that ever happened to Nikon dSLRs!), I had fun taking lots of pictures of really tiny things with my previous cameras. However, now I have a Sony NEX-5k which, for its wonderful optics, great features and excellent resolution doesn't seem to have anything that I can find to do the same type of work. Can anyone recommend a hack or accessory that will let me take more pics like those I used to (or even of smaller things!)? posted by luriete at 9:35 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm spending next weekend in Amsterdam. I'll be doing the usual touristy things, but I'd like to add a twist to it. I speak Indonesian very well but have never been to Indonesia... I would like to experience Amsterdam's Indo/Indonesian side. Any particular areas, restaurants, activities to check out? posted by Xere at 9:34 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm looking for a comic which depicts the breakdown of social norms in a cubicle farm and the subsequent progression to something like neolithic (primitive) life in the building. I remember a person tying a necktie around their head, a couple copulating on a desk, and plants being grown in cubicles (or maybe out in a parking lot). posted by elektrotechnicus at 9:22 AM PST - 8 comments

Recently some German friends claimed that owning a dictionary of your native language was a very English-language thing. i.e. that its very unusual in Germany to have a German-German Dictionary in the home / or to own one growing up.
Is this true for other native language speakers? Is this even true of Germany at all? [more inside]posted by mary8nne at 9:03 AM PST - 46 comments

I'm looking for the perfect futon (sofa-bed) in the UK (preferably the South East) that will work equally well as a bed or sofa, long-lasting, and easy to convert. [more inside]posted by K.P. at 8:45 AM PST - 2 comments

Are there decent small-sized, even portable solar panels that deliver safe, reliable (when the sun is out, that is) power? (enough to run, say, a stereo system/tv). I live on the top floor of a building, and have a small terrace; I can't install large permanent panels, but I get so much sun it seems a waste not to try and harvest it in some sense. But is installation tricky, and how do you actually connect it into your system etc. posted by dearleader at 8:27 AM PST - 6 comments

My place of employment has received several thousand packages of rubber bands that need to be destroyed. Any advice on a way of disposing of these on the cheap? [more inside]posted by charred husk at 7:20 AM PST - 20 comments

Looking for songs that would fit the theme for an "Amazing Dewey Race" (a scavenger hunt type event using the Dewey Decimal System). It's a child/young adult event at a public library, so music needs to be appropriate for that audience. posted by rollbiz at 6:46 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me remember the name of this PBS Kid's show from the 80s: There's a lady, she's being held captive by someone (a witch?), and she passes the time by reading stories that she literally cranks out of a story machine to children. [more inside]posted by cosmic.osmo at 6:45 AM PST - 2 comments

A question about Minecraft: I would like to have a vanilla (= modfree) installation of Minecraft and a modded one side by side on my (win7) computer. This seems to be a rather complicated way to do this. Would somebody know an easier one? [more inside]posted by mahershalal at 2:24 AM PST - 4 comments

July 19

I am planning a trip to India by October and so far, places to see in my list include Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi. There's a whole lot more I want to visit but I don't want to exhaust my self with all the traveling as I will only have 2-3 weeks. In addition to the above mentioned places, where do you think can I visit to get a feel of rural India? Somewhere not so populated, countryside, and great interaction with the locals, possibly homestay too. Only requirement is that, it shouldn't be too far from my chosen destinations, somewhere I can stay for like 3 to 4 days immersing myself with the rural life, local culture. posted by LittleMissItneg at 11:35 PM PST - 10 comments

Burning hunk filter: How long can you let salt dough sit in an oven at 200 degrees before it burns or becomes a problem? Do we need to wake people up or call 911? Or can it stay in until morning? [more inside]posted by cross_impact at 9:28 PM PST - 8 comments

really cake-y cake. I have had a few really good cakes in the last few years that were less spongy and a bit drier than the ordinary kinds of cake out there. What is the secret to making cake with this texture? Every recipe I try ends up with the softer, spongier cake that we are all used to (and that the box brands aspire to). This cake-y cake seems more old-fashioned--seems a bit more like bread. Can anyone help? I am wondering if it is a recipe issue, or whether it has something to do with time cooking, or how you prepare the ingredients, or oil vs. butter vs. ??? Let me know the secret! posted by cmp4Meta at 8:57 PM PST - 47 comments

Help Mefites! Stupid fireplace question. I was burning some papers in the fireplace this evening and forgot to open the chimney flue. By the time I realized what happened and I got it opened, the room had filled with smoke. How to best get the smoke smell out? [more inside]posted by cecic at 8:17 PM PST - 10 comments

Comcast gave us a router when we subscribed. It has issues. But we can replace it! Help me find the best one. (Warning: lots of data below, because I want to answer as many questions as possible off the bat.) [more inside]posted by mephron at 8:04 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm a 25 year old guy and quite tall (6'6). I often sit down for much of the workday. I also bike and walk everywhere (I don't drive). In recent weeks I've been experiencing some back pain. This evening, upon leaving work, I began experiencing the worst sustained back pain I've ever felt. Hard to bend over, painful to walk, or do much of anything. It has been hurting for 3 hours now. I'm going to call the doc tomorrow, but does anyone know of a good mattress to buy for such an ailment? (Mine is awful, sags in the middle, etc.) Or anything else I can do? posted by LeonBernstein at 7:56 PM PST - 19 comments

I need clever ideas to help someone with diabetes make better food choices. This person is supposed to be on a low carb diet.
Catches: Obviously i can not force them to eat any certain thing. or deprive of food. posted by misformiche at 7:44 PM PST - 21 comments

Condominium Outrage! Today, while taking a shower in my bathroom, i suddenly saw a reflection of a man in the vanity mirror - he was just outside the slightly open bathroom door. I screamed bloody murder while my heart beat out of my chest - i thought i was about to be the victim of a home invasion. Now, i want to do something about the apparent rule/bylaw/custom in my condo corporation/board that allows workers to enter the unit without the express permission of the owner or resident. [more inside]posted by Kololo at 7:11 PM PST - 38 comments

I'm responding to work stress by becoming (secretly) emotional and non-communicative. I can tell that my reaction is out of proportion to the situation - there is a lot of work and not enough bodies, and everyone in my group is overwhelmed - but I still feel very threatened. People get in my face - I act like I don't care, tell them "yeah, that isn't getting done." And after they leave I cry at my desk (again, secretly). How can I be more calm, cool, and effective? [more inside]posted by bunderful at 7:07 PM PST - 7 comments

Movers in Philadelphia for a move next week may have crapped out at the last minute. Does anyone have any suggestions for moving companies for a 1-bedroom-size within-city move who might be able to strike a last-minute appointment in case this is true? [more inside]posted by Keter at 7:05 PM PST - 8 comments

What are the alternatives, while on vacation, to devoting so much time to looking for restaurants and eating in restaurants? It seems like vacations are way too much about consuming meals. [more inside]posted by Alizaria at 6:18 PM PST - 32 comments

Drug Filter: Is it legal/feasible to get a prescription for medicinal marijuana in California while just there for a brief business trip for a couple days? [more inside]posted by Elminster24 at 6:17 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me be the coolest Aunt ever, please? My 13 year old niece is visiting for three weeks, and I want to make sure she has a good vacation. [more inside]posted by dchrssyr at 6:02 PM PST - 16 comments

There is a relatively new fancy technology in eyeglass lenses: free form lenses for single vision, which some manufacturers are calling "like HDTV" for glasses. Really? Will I notice that much difference with MY prescription? [more inside]posted by slow graffiti at 4:23 PM PST - 4 comments

Chayote—I have two—what's the best thing to do with them? I also have lots of zucchini. Compatible? Soup, salad, or casserole. Fav dishes or recipes, please. posted by Toekneesan at 3:54 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm moving out of my apartment at the end of the month—and we've discovered that the hardwood floor in our office is moderately scuffed up as a result of a rolling office chair that's dug a bit into the floor. Can we fix this? Pictures and other details inside. [more inside]posted by Ash3000 at 3:52 PM PST - 15 comments

Using health insurance in US- possible skin cancer. Does anyone have any evidence/estimate/experience with how much premiums may/will increase if skin cancer is found/treated? [more inside]posted by mightshould at 3:09 PM PST - 4 comments

Going to Provence for two weeks in mid-September. What off-the-beaten path attractions or towns are not to be missed? Specific interests inside. [more inside]posted by np312 at 2:47 PM PST - 13 comments

Should I be worried about a daily diet Red Bull habit? Is there any real science about the health effects of artificial sweeteners or combining energy drinks and ritalin? [more inside]posted by simbiotic at 2:33 PM PST - 7 comments

In our office we have many network outlets in offices that are dead. In the phone cupboard is the board that these outlets terminate at and they have no connection to the router. Nothing is labelled to show which unconnected port goes to which office outlet. Help us to find what connects where! [more inside]posted by 543DoublePlay at 2:30 PM PST - 7 comments

Is there something like a Credit Default Swap for stocks? Or, could I have gotten rich somehow by betting against Borders? Is there a way to bet that Groupon fails, for example? posted by shotgunbooty at 2:05 PM PST - 25 comments

My fiancee and I moved into an amazing apartment which has everything we wanted...except a bathtub. The shower is porn-worthy: 2 shower heads, a big window looking over the city, and even a fully-tiled cubby with a step up...and it's 6 feet by 5 feet. The cubby is about 3 feet by 2 feet. [more inside]posted by bikergirl at 1:59 PM PST - 26 comments

Help me choose a horseback riding style (or help me understand what to watch for in finding an instructor) according to why I want to ride. [more inside]posted by kitsuloukos at 1:53 PM PST - 19 comments

I understand that losing weight and getting fit comes down to exercising and ingesting less calories, yet I still have difficulty accepting that there are no tricks. [more inside]posted by The Dutchman at 1:45 PM PST - 59 comments

Please help me create awesome digital presentations for my professional portfolio! Am looking to create a series of slideshows for presentation on a tablet, and need some hardware/software recommendations. [more inside]posted by zarq at 1:06 PM PST - 9 comments

What typeface is this they're using in the Subterranean logo?
What The Font and Identifont have not helped narrow it down, so I thought I would tap into the hive mind to see if you all knew what it is. posted by headspace at 12:57 PM PST - 1 comment

How do you know when your "not feeling well" is an actual cause for concern? Two people I know have been diagnosed with cancer and then passed away very shortly afterwords after seemingly common/benign symptoms. [more inside]posted by stormygrey at 11:21 AM PST - 21 comments

First time groomsman trying to put together plans for a bachelor party. What's a fun idea when some of the other guys are under 21 and the groom doesn't really drink anyway? He's a little socially awkward—even with us—and I want to make sure he has a great time. posted by mean cheez at 10:16 AM PST - 17 comments

In response to a question about the genesis of "Eleanor Rigby", Paul McCartney explained his initial idea for the music as follows:
"I wrote it at the piano, just vamping an E minor chord; letting that stay as a vamp and putting a melody over it, just danced over the top of it. It almost has Asian rhythyms"
This is my first encounter with "vamp." I didn't know it was a word until I came across this quote about half an hour ago.
Evidently it's both a transitive verb ("vamping an E chord") and a noun ("... as a vamp")
Even more evidently: parts of speech be damned, I have absolutely no idea what any part of this quote means.
Actually, that's not true: I have a rough idea of the meaning of "I wrote it at the piano"
Aside from that though I'm in the dark until somebody hip to musical jargon lights a candle for me, by way of explaining what Sir Paul is saying
Help! I need somebody, help... posted by BadgerDoctor at 9:27 AM PST - 17 comments

My german friend loves reading Calvin and Hobbes (in english). What would be a good comic strip to get her into? What strips are still funny to ESL readers? [more inside]posted by munichmaiden at 8:58 AM PST - 19 comments

Is there a tool online that might be able to tell me what parameters I would want for a new computer (probably laptop) given my current patterns of use? Looking in stores leads me to think I don't need the high end models but I'd hate to buy something only to find out I should have sprung for the extra RAM. [more inside]posted by gilsonal at 8:32 AM PST - 9 comments

Has anyone been a temporary proofreader for scholastic in nyc?
I'm being offered an assignment proofreading high school science texts. If anyone has any knowledge of the culture, the work environment, the opportunities - or just stories of your experiences - do share. posted by arr0wjun1per at 8:26 AM PST - 4 comments

Is the exhaust in the bathroom for the smell or the humidity? In other words: is it used to make it smell better, or is it used to make sure the room dries out better? posted by sandmanwv at 7:41 AM PST - 19 comments

What would cause the laptop to be so slow right out of the box? I was given a "new" computer at work. It is a HP Business Notebook PC with the product model = Compaq 8510p. It is so slow opening and closing windows, launching programs and starting up and shutting down--then sometimes freezes up. It is 3 years old and the warranty has expired as I was told by the HP helpdesk. I have searched the web and asked a few IT friends what the heck it could be since it has never been used.
My boss doesn't want to hear any complaints about it since it's new out of the box--he figures it should be working perfectly. Should I take it to a PC shop to get it optimized or diagnosed in some way? It's driving me crazy! What could be causing this? posted by sandra194 at 7:32 AM PST - 12 comments

A colleague's (adult) daughter was recently diagnosed with Global Ischemia and they are looking for support resources - books, support groups online or in person, basically anything that can help them cope with this
would be helpful. My colleague is not very tech savvy so I am hoping to compile a list of resources to make it easy for them to browse. Any other helpful tips or advice appreciated! [more inside]posted by piato at 6:43 AM PST - 1 comment

I found a CBT doctor here in NYC, Dr. Fader, and he charges $300 per session with no sliding scale.
My insurance, United Healthcare, covers 70% after I hit my $500 deductible. So after hitting that I would be paying $90 out of pocket.
Is this a typical amount to pay w/insurance? I'm asking because I can always look around, but this doctor is supposed to be very good and if it's a typical price I might as well stay with him. Thoughts? posted by blunt_eastwood at 6:33 AM PST - 20 comments

My husband is very interested in getting an Android phone that can do the Swype texting (I think that's any Android, actually, but I could be wrong). What is the best option for him? [more inside]posted by litnerd at 6:21 AM PST - 15 comments

Fashion emergency (I never thought I would use that phrase): Client is visiting, I have nothing to wear. How offended will they be if I'm underdressed? [more inside]posted by windbox at 4:47 AM PST - 18 comments

What are some hints on purchasing a diamond engagement ring? Any good sites you would recommend? I have roughly $5000 for diamond and setting and would like to do some research to find a special ring for my lady.... I live in upstate New York, any good jewelers to recommend? posted by Direwolf at 8:17 PM PST - 14 comments

I just watched the Back to the Future trilogy (for like the millionth time) and I have a question I’m hoping the Hive Mind can help me reconcile a question I have. [more inside]posted by Effigy2000 at 7:06 PM PST - 34 comments

I'm in a relationship with the man of my dreams (who has also been a close friends for years before we got together) and I couldn't be happier. It is serious and it is going in the "forever" direction. He has a young son, though and I want help introducing myself to his life without causing too much stress or confusion. Also, divorce fun times... [more inside]posted by gwenlister at 6:05 PM PST - 9 comments

What jeans are similar to Levi's 557 Relaxed Boot Cut jeans? If you own both a pair of 557's and a similar pair of jeans, what is the other brand? I would especially like to find another one in the $30-$40 range. [more inside]posted by no1hatchling at 5:59 PM PST - 4 comments

I previously was working at a job for a long time. That job ended (due to company shutdown) last week I was offered a similar job today. Would it be crazy to turn it down? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 4:24 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me find a forgotten children's book! My memory of this is almost unforgivably hazy -- I read the book in the mid to late 1980s. The book (possibly all of it, maybe just the ending) takes place at a beautiful teahouse, I believe Chinese, where everyone brings their birds in cages. [more inside]posted by hels at 4:17 PM PST - 2 comments

Hypothetical thermo-engineering question. Let's say you have a room. It's a living room. It's about 300 sq feet and open on one end (This can't be closed). There's an air conditioner in the living room in the window on the west side of the room. The problem with the air conditioner is that it doesn't project very well. There's a few feet of empty space between the air conditioner and the couch, which it does a great job of cooling, but if you're not standing in front of it you're SOL. [more inside]posted by bleep at 4:14 PM PST - 9 comments

Could use some suggestions for making sure I have all bases covered for the "celebration of life" thing we're doing for my dad this weekend. [more inside]posted by jessamyn at 3:41 PM PST - 30 comments

Do I do the smart thing or the desired thing? Volunteering at a place I love (with no money) or getting a full-time job (with money)...while working on a dissertation. Part-time jobs that pay a livable wage are few and far between, apparently. [more inside]posted by amyshmamy at 3:39 PM PST - 5 comments

[Comic book art filter] I did a "pin up" image to be included in a fellow artist's graphic novel. He asked me to do it, I did it gratis, he liked it and put it in the book. I can sell the original art, right? And keep all the proceeds? [more inside]posted by TangoCharlie at 3:07 PM PST - 7 comments

How do I handle this situation without looking like a jerk?
We have a new person at work. This person will need a laptop and the company will purchase it. I have a laptop purchased by our company, but it's about 2-3 years old. I'd like to get a new laptop as mine is somewhat outdated, but the if I get a new one, the company wants me to give my old one to the new person. How do I handle this? I'm going to be in charge of the transfer and this new person will see that I am getting a new one while he is getting my old one. I don't want to look like a jerk. What do I say? Help? posted by focus at 2:46 PM PST - 37 comments

Yes, I have trust issues and I don't think my girlfriend is helping any... I'm ready for therapy... what can I expect, what can I do to make it the most helpful, and what can I do to preserve my relationship through this -- or should I? [more inside]posted by doompuppy at 2:33 PM PST - 32 comments

We've got sage, chives, and sweet basil growing in small pots this summer. I've got a few recipes that use one or the other of them, but I know I could be doing more. What else can I do with them? We eat pretty much anything, except we avoid starches (so pasta, potatoes, or grain ideas won't help us much). I'm open to everything from "throw some chopped chives into scrambled eggs" to more formal recipes. Ethnic foods a plus, but hardly required. posted by DrGail at 2:26 PM PST - 12 comments

Some friends and I - all new to the area - are looking for a good place to camp within a long day's bike ride of Minneapolis, MN (60-100mi). We're hoping for something where we'll see few other people, and preferably access to a lake or river, hiking trails, and general wilderness (or at least the feeling of being away from civilization for a bit), and good to stay for a couple of days. Any recommendations? I'm having a hard time with the signal to noise ratio of the rest of the internet. Thanks! posted by entropone at 2:13 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm very interested in the upcoming Wisconsin recall elections and am having trouble finding much reporting on them. Are there any good web sites out there covering the recall elections, like Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight does for national elections? posted by mr_crash_davis at 2:02 PM PST - 3 comments

I've been challenged to create a mix of music and musicians of Wales/Welsh descent. Anything goes, however tenuous the link - if the artist's grandmother once got bitten by a Welsh corgi, I want to hear about it. [more inside]posted by humph at 1:27 PM PST - 48 comments

I have 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night to do some muscle toning exercises. What should I do that would be the best use of my time? [more inside]posted by greta simone at 12:32 PM PST - 31 comments

I know you're not my lawyer or a lawyer at all.. but I need some help. Recently lost my job due to an alcohol-related relapse that happened off work hours. How do I move on from this? [more inside]posted by somersault at 11:49 AM PST - 34 comments

What fictional male characters are confirmed bachelors with many female friends and few male friends? I'm especially interested in stories set before 1950. [more inside]posted by Sticherbeast at 11:48 AM PST - 6 comments

Do you think your Philly-based shrink is the best? I need to hear it. Must take Magellan insurance, and west of Broad is a major plus. Probably-unnecessary details inside. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 10:20 AM PST - 3 comments

"Papa Was a Rodeo" by Magnetic Fields. "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. What other songs are like these in the way these are like each other? posted by dame at 10:06 AM PST - 39 comments

Name-that-children's-book-filter: I read it probably in the early '90s, and all I remember is the protagonist used a computer keyboard to do things, e.g., pressing the "escape" key to escape a dangerous situation. [more inside]posted by bah213 at 10:02 AM PST - 5 comments

This is an item from my Grandparent's house that has been stored since the 1940s. All I know about it is that it was with other items which my Grandfather brought back with him from postwar Japan. An aunt of mine claims it's something that goes on your head, but I can't tell if it's even possible to take off the wooden stand. It is intricately detailed. It also has a small wooden case with a clear front, but the case is not especially detailed.
What is this item? Does it have value? (view larger, largest) posted by artlung at 9:53 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me find the right AV equipment to buy for my cultural events nonprofit! I throw literary events that are awesome and generally undocumented. Tell me what I should buy (cameras, software, mics) to visually convey a sense of their awesomeness. Bonus points on tutorials on making podcasts and workflow process for videos. [more inside]posted by johnasdf at 9:49 AM PST - 8 comments

I am a 28yo female feeling overwhelmed by some significant life changes. I am just over 2 months sober. My current employment contract (for a great job that I love, in a very competitive field) ends in December and there is a good chance the position will be made redundant. And 2 days ago I broke up with my live-in partner of 4 years, as despite the fact that I care about him deeply, we don't communicate that well and I feel doubts about committing to a long-term relationship with him. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:42 AM PST - 14 comments

I currently have significantly more than $250,000 in a single bank savings account, as I am starting a major home renovation project that I need to fund. I will be making periodic payments on the construction, which will take the balance well below $250K before the end of this year. My question is: given that FDIC only covers $250K, and given the debt ceiling issue and the looming 8/2 deadline, and given that most of our elected leaders seem to be incapable of reasonable compromise -- what would be the best option(s) for me in re: this money? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:42 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm after some 2 player LAN Mac games. The answers to this previous question don't hit the spot. Cannot rely on speed or dexterity (so no FPS), timers are also out. I have Hedgewars but word games or well-executed card games would be excellent as would strategy (not Frozen Synapse) with a good learning curve. From searches it seems the Mac is neglected in this area. posted by episodic at 9:26 AM PST - 5 comments

How can I find and devour blue java (also known as "ice cream") bananas, those rarest and most delectable of all bananas known to man and God? [more inside]posted by clockzero at 9:07 AM PST - 9 comments

Is there a tool out there which will allow me to plug in the mileage I need for a certain cycling training ride, and will spit out a route that will get me that amount of miles? Maybe using Google maps or something? I'm in Boise,ID, if that matters. posted by jasondbarr at 8:40 AM PST - 5 comments

[Water + Ear + Pain + Ringing] YANMD: Jumped/cannonballed into a lake this weekend - the water went down to 10 feet. The moment I was underwater my ear had a sharp pain. [more inside]posted by anya32 at 8:04 AM PST - 11 comments

Our copier died last week (Xerox WorkCentre C20) and I need to replace it. I would appreciate your recommendations on where I should look for a replacement. [more inside]posted by crankylex at 8:01 AM PST - 1 comment

Our son has a wrist bone injury that means he will have to stop training (12-16h/week) for competitive gymnastics. He's 11, medium height and slightly built, very co-ordinated, fast and strong. He loves being on a team and competitions, and did very well at gymnastics for the past five years. What are alternative sports to consider for him besides competitive diving? We're looking for sports that don't stress wrists, e.g. no tennis. Both of us are very unsporty, so we're scratching our heads over what would be fun for a jock kid. We're in Singapore in the tropics. posted by viggorlijah at 7:55 AM PST - 25 comments

If all the people in all the world took all of their cash (whether it's in a bank or not) and divided it equally amongst everyone, how much would each and every person in the world end up with? [more inside]posted by HopStopDon'tShop at 7:35 AM PST - 17 comments

I have Ciba vision Air Optix Aqua 1 month disposable contact lenses and have mixed them up. I use -1.75 for my left eye and -1.50 for my right, 8.6/14.20 size. On the actual lens of one of them it says "CIBA x647" and on the other "CIBA x648", which lens is for which eye? posted by randomizer at 7:33 AM PST - 10 comments

I'll be travelling to Hangzhou, China and the region around it in a few weeks. There are six of us, and we're thinking of hiring a car/minibus and driver to transport us for the longer journeys, for example from Hangzhou to some of the nearby mountains. Is it possible for us to make arrangements with some kind of transport company beforehand, or should we just do it when we get there? [more inside]posted by destrius at 6:37 AM PST - 3 comments

I saw a trailer for an indie film about 6-8 months ago, or maybe a little longer. Please help me find the film based on very little information - gritty, realistic, probably not directly related to crime or police, set in Baltimore. The Baltimore bit seemed very important. [more inside]posted by cilantro at 4:33 AM PST - 4 comments

July 17

Costa Rica in September? I was planning to go to the Arenal Volcano and do jungle adventures on my honeymoon in September, but saw it was the rainy season. Anyone know how rainy it gets during that time? Any other areas to recommend that are less rainy but worth checking out for a romantic honeymoon? Thanks so much! posted by tessalations999 at 11:31 PM PST - 6 comments

Santorini Honeymoon-Has anyone been to Santorini, Greece and could recommend a hotel that was romantic and beautiful but not outlandishly expensive- Let's say $200 per night or less, or a package deal. We are looking to go in September. Thanks so much for your help. posted by Equiprimordial at 11:28 PM PST - 4 comments

I need to buy a shade tent/canopy that is 1) as lightweight as possible and 2) easily erected by one person 3) who is only five feet tall. If I could, I would buy the REI Alcove Shelter, but it's out of stock. What else can you recommend? posted by HotToddy at 9:46 PM PST - 8 comments

I want to become a sex educator someday, and I'd really like to help develop a long-lasting comprehensive sex education curriculum that builds foundational emotional/interpersonal/respectful knowledge in the younger grades, and more concrete, biological/functional/logistical knowledge towards the end of high school. What's in store for me? [more inside]posted by These Birds of a Feather at 9:15 PM PST - 20 comments

Despite having an engineering degree, a Master's degree in software development, a strong math background, and 20+ years of programming experience the "typical" logic games bore me. Why and how can I improve? [more inside]posted by mcarthey at 8:45 PM PST - 23 comments

Can anyone recommend some non-fiction advice books where many authors write their perspective on similar situations or difficulties in life? [more inside]posted by fantasticninety at 8:21 PM PST - 3 comments

I have an old coin collection that I want to sell. However, I know nothing about coin collections so I'm unsure how to sell this without getting ripped off. Is it possible to find a coin dealer/collector who will buy this collection from me at a "fair" price without me doing research in an area about which I presently know nothing? More (possibly boring) info follows... [more inside]posted by Rad_Boy at 7:25 PM PST - 5 comments

I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 phone. I use it to listen to music. But the music player is set up to include a brief gap between each track. This is particularly a nuisance when I'm listening to albums with segued tracks (such as live albums). How can I set it up so there are no gaps between tracks? posted by paleyellowwithorange at 7:09 PM PST - 7 comments

Should I use a migration agent to handle my application to migrate to Australia from the U.S.? And if so, what's the best way to go about finding a good one? [more inside]posted by milkcrateman at 7:09 PM PST - 11 comments

I run my own DNS. Recently, I moved the DNS server to a new IP block. I meticulously changed all the zone files. Months later, phantom traces of one of the old IP addresses still linger in the public DNS at times. Unfortunately, that one IP address is the address of my DNS server itself. Help! [more inside]posted by CommonSense at 6:00 PM PST - 4 comments

SQL help: I'm very new to SQL, and need to update one field with the maximum value of all entries in another field selected based on a shared value in a third field. [more inside]posted by agentofselection at 2:43 PM PST - 12 comments

Last night (Saturday July 16th) I went to see the Dead/Further at Bethel Woods, NY and saw a metal sculpture/wall hanging I hope someone can help me find. [more inside]posted by Neely O'Hara at 2:37 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm slow. It took me many years to have this revelation re: home organization: "If an object is not frequently used and is not decorative, it should be put away" (unless, of course, you have incredibly little storage space).
So what's the next revelation? Or some corollaries of this one which might flesh out this basic idea? posted by Quisp Lover at 2:29 PM PST - 66 comments